WHAT is it about doctors that makes them aspire to be comedians?

Harry Hill was one, Dave Spikey used to be a blood expert and newcomer Paul Sinha has recently given up his day job as a medic to concentrate on making people laugh for a living.

The groundbreaking comic went down a storm at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is now touring the UK with his show King of the World, including a gig in Manchester.

He answered our questions.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COMEDY?

A midlife crisis really. I watched a lot of live comedy and wanted to try it in much the same way that other people bungee jump - just to see what it was like. I had no hope or expectation that 12 years on I'd still be doing it.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH HECKLERS?

I have a few lines prepared, but in general I feel that it all depends on whether the audience likes you. If they like me then I will try and destroy the heckler. If they don't I'll just cry.

DO PEOPLE EXPECT YOU TO BE FUNNY ALL THE TIME?

If they did, they certainly don't any more.

HOW DO YOU WRITE JOKES?

Most of my writing is during genuine dead time, like while driving. I am too lazy to jot things down. I rely on my memory.

ALL COMEDIANS "DIE ON STAGE" AT SOME POINT IN THEIR CAREER. WHAT'S THAT LIKE?

Death is horrible at the best of times, but some of my deaths have been in front of loved ones. That's proper horror.

WHAT'S THE WORST GAG YOU'VE EVER TOLD?

My worst gags are totally unprintable.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF HAPPINESS?

A nice Sunday lunch with a group of friends and family, and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF HELL?

Watching a Top Gear marathon in a room with no heating with only nachos for refreshments.

WHAT'S THE WORST TROUBLE YOU'VE BEEN IN?

I recently landed myself with seven vowels while playing online scrabble.

UPON WHOM WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO EXACT REVENGE AND WHY?

I'm really NOT a revenge person.

WHAT HAVE YOU MOST REGRETTED DOING WHILE DRUNK?

Every time I have ever screamed obscenities at a loved one.

WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE RECEIVED?

Slow down.

  • See Paul Sinha at The Lowry, Salford Quays, on Saturday, January 19. For tickets call 0870 787 5780 or visit the website below.