Paul McDermott

Paul McDermott is a writer and performer but, primarily, a scribbler.

He attended the Canberra School of Art (where his work and he were much loved) before beginning life as a busker with DAAS (The Doug Anthony Allstars). DAAS found success in Australia, and abroad.

With the demise of DAAS, Paul returned to Australia to host the popular satirical, political game show Good News Week (GNW). Paul has hosted and written for The Sideshow (a concept of which he is shamelessly proud), as well as, Strictly Dancing, Rm 101 and, most recently, played the part of a quiz master on ABC’s Think Tank.

Paul has been a regular columnist, a radio jock, a lead in a musical, done some stupid stuff, written a couple of books, illustrated some others, performed in a park during the Barcelona Olympics, and been a continual thorn in the side of ennui.

He has created three award-winning short films The SCREE (2004), The Girl who Swallowed Bees (2007), and GHOSTBEAR (2019).​

Paul continues to write, perform and scribble, and recently wrote and illustrated the, yet to be awarded, children’s book GHOSTBEAR.

At the start of 2021 Paul toured the multi-award-winning live show Paul + 1. The show was performed, and conceived, with Glenn Moorhouse (multi-instrumentalist, music producer and Wunderkind). When the ‘last’ Sydney lockdown meant the end of live performance, Glenn and Paul began work on recording a major musical piece detailing experiences during lockdown, and the (often bizarre) reaction to COVID 19 – I’VE SEEN THE FUTURE AND YOU’RE NOT IN IT.

Paul continues to scribble.

“Paul was sensational, a professional and a genuinely talented man” – Katie Stelmach – BBC Entertainment

“a fantastic show, kept the hard to please crowd entertained and laughing….a true showman!” – Toni Kelly – Melbourne Advertising Club