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A sensational live performer, Yorkshireman, marathon runner, and former (double award-winning) Time Out Comedian and the Year, Paul Tonkinson has long upheld his reputation as one of the finest stand-ups in the UK.
With a unique and distinctive style, Paul is noted for his effervescent physicality and skilful impressions, which bring alive exuberant, tender comic reflections on family, love, and the day-to-days of 21st Century life.
A plethora of first-class material, combined with tremendous charm and infectious energy make for a formidable talent.
Paul Tonkinson burst onto the scene as a presenter on BBC2’s The Sunday Show, and Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast, as well as on XFM radio shows.
His first love, however, has always been stand-up comedy, and he has made numerous TV appearances on programmes such as Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The Comedy Store, and The World Stands-Up.

His stand-up comedy has seen him perform at global festivals, such as Montreal Just For Laughs festival and the esteemed Brit-com Gala, as well as supporting acts like Michael McIntyre on their international tours.
He has performed at some of the most prestigious UK comedy clubs, including The Comedy Store, Komedia, Last Laugh Comedy Club, The Stand-Up Club, 99 Club, Laughterhouse, Banana Cabaret, and FComedy Hotspot.
Confirming his status as a highly versatile performer, Paul has even entertained the UK Armed Forces, performing in Afghanistan and Iraq to over 2,500 troops in 45 degree heat in the middle of the desert.
Outside of comedy, Paul is a keen runner, and produces the weekly podcast Running Commentary With Rob Deering (over two million downloads). He used to write a column for Runners World and has published two running-related books:
– 26.2 Miles to Happiness (2020) which won the Daily Telegraph Sports Entertainment Book of the Year, follows Paul as he tries to beat the three-hour mark at the London Marathon.
– Running Through Sand: An Ageing Comedian’s Ill-Thought-Out Ultra in the Sahara (2026) follows Paul’s attempt to run the Marathon Des Sables, a week-long, 250km self-sufficient race across the Sahara Desert.

Hilarious, nobody makes me laugh like Paul Tonkinson…go see him!
Michel McIntyre
Watching Tonkinson storm is one of the best sights in comedy. It’s like watching somebody fly.
Seann Walsh