Paul McDermott: Paul Sings

A large banner adorns the stage for “Paul McDermott Sings” depicting a chimp in a Christ-like pose. It is a mixture of the sacred and the grotesque that neatly encapsulates the celebrated comedian and television personality's dynamic musical-comedy show.

Over the course of an hour, McDermott performs songs peppered with comedic interludes. These breaks are more anecdotal than your typical stand-up fare and more personal than McDermott's television work, consisting of meandering reflections on his life as a celebrity while making liberal use of lewd, dark humour.

Yet, as the title implies, it's McDermott's music that shines. Collected from a back catalogue of material written for Good News Week and a variety of other programs, his songs express a sincere and vulnerable side that uses more quiet humour than his stand-up. It is a welcome contrast, and McDermott's ability to effectively pull it off is a testament to his versatility as an entertainer.