09 August 2023 , 18:15
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The Chase star Paul Sinha has told how his battle with Parkinson’s means he does not know how long his comedy career can go on for.
And the 53-year-old quiz ace admitted he goes to every Edinburgh Fringe Festival fearing it may be his last. But Paul, who was diagnosed with the debilitating condition in 2019, refuses to let it define him and said he is still determined to enjoy performing.
The former GP added: “I have no idea how long I’m going to be a stand-up for, because I get more tired with every passing year. I just want to go up and do a show that is fun.” Paul’s new Edinburgh show, Pauly Bengali, takes aim at the entertainment industry and politics.
He said: “There is a story running through it, but I don’t want to give much away. But the story is genuinely very interesting given the state of the industry and the state of British politics. But around the story is a lot of stand up. What I’m trying to do now, especially at this stage of my career where I’m known as the guy who has got Parkinson’s.
Paul performing stand-up (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)"The show is less fun than I imagined, because I’m a man with opinions and opinions have got to be made. But it’s not about pathos. This is not a show about feeling sorry for yourself, or, ‘Oh, woe is me.’ I’m taking random pot shots, at the industry, at the state of the industry, and particularly the state of British politics.
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“I went to Edinburgh last year and it was the first time I truly felt old. I looked at comedians and thought, ‘You’ve got so much boundless enthusiasm. It’s making me feel like a bitter, wizened, old creature.’”
Luton-born Paul, who is married to Oliver Levy, told the RHLSTP podcast: “Without wishing to sound bleak, my time is running out. I don’t know to what degree my time is running out. It could be five years, it could be 10. I just want to go, ‘I’m enjoying myself.’ I think it’s important to end your career with no regrets.”
Paul joined The Chase in 2011 but despite his success on the show he insists he is easy to beat in pub quizzes. He added: “I can’t answer any of the picture rounds. I can’t recognise female celebrities, but if it’s a bloke I fancy I can recognise him straight away.”