PAUL Merton is taking Out of My Head – his first new written show since 1998 – on a 50-date tour of the UK that reaches the Pavilion Theatre on April 27.

Paul will be joined on the night by his highly-talented pals, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster.

The new show will give us an unprecedented insight into the wondrous workings of Paul’s mind as he emerges from behind the Have I Got News For You desk, where he has been sitting for the past 22 years.

Expect stand-up, interspersed with sketches, music, magic, variety and dancing girls.

Paul, one of the world’s great improvisers, is bubbling with enthusiasm about hitting the road once again with a stand-up show.

“We’re having such a great time. It’s about taking the plunge and devising a show that is fully scripted.

“It has stand-up, sketches, interaction with the audience, and a few things that will startle people. Working on a tour that starts off as a mere jotting on the back of a fag packet and develops into a spectacular show is a sheer joy!”

“I get such a buzz from performing live. It’s just the best rush in the world, better than anything else you can think of.

“If you’re trying to convince a TV producer that something is funny, it can take ages.

“But if you have a good idea with The Comedy Store Players, you can just say it there and then.

“You don’t have to take it to a commissioning editor, or get a budget and have the comedy kicked out of it by a committee.

And you immediately know whether it’s funny because you’ll hear the sound of laughter – or not.

“It’s so inspiring. You just ride the wave of laughter, and then you might come up with something equally funny. That’s what live comedy is like. The only snag is, you have to do it while trying to look completely relaxed.”