Paul L Martin has spent more than 25 years in the variety business, working across performance, production, promotion, and artist representation. His career spans hosting, singing, and campaigning for greater visibility of cabaret — including securing dedicated cabaret sections in Time Out and Lastminute.com.
- Performer Cabaret singer, compère, and host — performing internationally in Paris, Berlin, and Melbourne.
- Producer Founder of Excess All Areas, producing live entertainment and variety shows including West End Wendies.
- Promoter & Agent Artist representation and event promotion across the cabaret and musical-theatre circuit.
- TV Judge & Pundit Judge on BBC One's All Together Now (series 1 & 2) and All Together Now Celebrities (Christmas Eve 2018). Also appeared on Sky's Bigger Than… and Channel 4's Mary Portas.
- Industry Campaigner Instrumental in establishing cabaret listings in Time Out and Lastminute.com.
For more than a quarter of a century, Paul L Martin has been a defining presence in the variety and cabaret scene, working under the name Paulus. His career is built on a rare combination of talents: he is a comic, a singer, a compère, and a television judge, most notably on BBC One’s All Together Now. Yet his influence reaches far beyond the screen. He has performed in cabaret venues across the world, from Paris to Berlin to Melbourne, bringing a distinctive blend of wit, glamour, and crowd-pleasing showmanship to every stage. His work is rooted in the traditions of music hall and variety, updated for modern audiences with a sharp comedic edge.
Beyond his own performances, Paulus has worked extensively behind the scenes as a producer and promoter. He founded Excess All Areas, a company dedicated to producing live entertainment and variety shows, including the well-known West End Wendies. His efforts have helped shape the cabaret landscape in the United Kingdom, giving other performers platforms to reach new audiences. He has also worked in artist representation, using his deep understanding of the industry to guide fellow entertainers. This combination of on-stage experience and off-stage business acumen makes him a uniquely well-rounded figure in the world of live entertainment.
Paulus has also been a vocal campaigner for greater visibility of cabaret as an art form. At a time when cabaret was often overlooked by mainstream listings and publications, he worked to secure dedicated cabaret sections in guides such as Time Out and Lastminute.com. This advocacy helped raise the profile of the genre and opened doors for countless other performers. His commitment to cabaret is not merely professional but personal: he sees it as a vital, living tradition that deserves recognition alongside theatre, comedy, and music. Through his campaigning, he has helped ensure that cabaret remains a visible and respected part of the cultural landscape.
His television role as a judge on BBC One’s All Together Now brought him to the attention of a much wider audience. The show, a Saturday night talent series, saw Paulus join a panel of fellow entertainers to assess aspiring singers. His presence on the programme reflected his long-standing expertise in live performance and his ability to spot genuine talent. Audiences responded to his warmth, his sharp wit, and his unapologetic love of showbusiness. The role cemented his status as a familiar face in British entertainment, while also introducing a new generation to the kind of old-school showmanship he represents.
Paulus began his performing career at a very young age, taking to the stage from his early teens. Over the decades, he has appeared in venues of every size, from intimate cabaret rooms to large theatres, earning a reputation as a consummate entertainer. His act draws on a wide range of influences, including the great music hall tradition and the work of beloved British comedians. He is known for his quick rapport with audiences, his impeccable timing, and his glamorous stage presence. Whether hosting a variety night, performing his own material, or appearing on national television, Paulus remains committed to the simple, enduring art of pleasing a crowd.
Alongside performing, Paul offers bespoke 1‑2‑1 consultations in South London and courses including Beyond Compère, Shaping Your Show, PLAY!, Be, and Cabaret for Singers. Sessions are tailored to help performers hone their artistic content and advance their careers.
For bookings or consultancy enquiries, get in touch.