Comedians are a funny bunch — I mean, that is their job. But beyond the stand-up sets, TV panels, game shows, and celebrity appearances, how often do we get to see the real person behind the punchlines? Who are they when they’re not performing? What really makes them tick?

If you’re curious about what lies beneath the stage persona, our In Conversation series is for you.

Last night, we welcomed comedian, star of The Chase, and former GP Paul Sinha to the stage. Fresh off the release of his memoir, One Sinha Lifetime, Paul joined Patrick from Quintessential Events for a candid and compelling conversation.

Over the course of an hour, we got a window into Paul’s fascinating life — from the hilarious misstep of basing his first Edinburgh Fringe show on Love, Actually (which had only been out six months), to his unlikely journey into medicine despite being, as he put it, “crap at science.” We heard about his school days (he went to the same school as Harry Hill), the mindset it takes to be a professional quizzer (spoiler: it’s not about the money), and his – ahem – complicated relationship with the tabloids. Tunbridge Wells, Bernard Manning, Twitter and being Edinburgh’s best newcomer 2006 were also discussed.

The chat was free-flowing and natural — no suits, no notes — just two people on stage, relaxed and open. Patrick guided the conversation with ease, and Paul responded with wit, warmth, and generosity. There were plenty of moments of laughter, insight, and even a few surprises.

Audience questions brought out even more gems: when asked if he’d ever do Strictly, Paul replied, “Not with Parkinson’s, thanks… I couldn’t dance before I had it.” As for writing fiction like some of his quiz-show peers? That won a firm “no thanks.”

After the talk, Paul stuck around to sign books and pose for selfies — a lovely end to an evening spent in the intimate company of a deeply funny, refreshingly honest, and very human, human-being.