No more results on this page
About Paula Poundstone
Paula Poundstone Live
A genuine original in the world of comedy, Paula Poundstone has been delighting audiences with her sharp, wry and sometimes absurd observations for more than four decades. Named one of the greatest stand-ups of all time by Comedy Central, Poundstone remains a uniquely skilled and versatile talent whose signature brand of comedy is just as treasured by TV viewers, podcast listeners and readers as it is by the crowds she attracts everywhere she performs.
Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Paula Poundstone began her comedy career in Boston in 1979 before moving to San Francisco, where she became a local sensation thanks to her wildly creative improvisational sets. In 1990, she wrote and starred in her first of several specials for HBO, the CableACE award-winner Cats, Cops and Stuff.
In addition to her many TV specials and appearances on late-night talk shows, Poundstone’s film and TV credits include Cybill and Hollywood Squares as well as voice roles in Inside Out and Summer Camp Island. She is the author of There’s Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say (2006) and The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness (2017). Podcast listeners know her as the host of Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone and as a panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!.
Famous for never repeating the same show twice thanks to her still-formidable improv skills and love of crowd work, Poundstone continues to perform in clubs and theaters across the U.S. and around the world.
Paula Poundstone Background
Widely considered one of the best and most influential stand-up comedians in the history of American comedy, Paula Poundstone began her five-decade career in Boston in the late 1970s. The unique combination of her sharp and sometimes absurd brand of observational humor and her extraordinary improvisational abilities soon made her a breakout talent in the comedy world.
After moving to Los Angeles upon the suggestion of her fan and supporter Robin Williams, Poundstone became a regular performer on late-night talk shows. In 1990, she appeared in the first in a series of specials for HBO, Cats, Cops and Stuff. Besides winning the CableACE award for Best Stand-up Comedy Special, it was named one of the funniest specials of all time by fellow comedian Tig Notaro, who cites Poundstone as an inspiration.
Poundstone’s wide variety of TV and film appearances include working as a political correspondent for The Tonight Show, having a recurring role opposite Cybill Shepherd on Cybill, and performing voice roles on the animated series Science Court and Home Movies. In 2006, she published her first book, There’s Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say, which was followed in 2017 by The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness.
In 2016, Poundstone released her third comedy album, North by Northwest: Paula Poundstone Live. She continues to tour extensively and appear on such podcasts as NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! and her own Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.
Paula was really on her game! 2 hours of funny banter, stories, her humorous perspective on things. Really super. I've seen her at least twice before and she was better than ever. I'll go see her whenever and wherever she is.
Paula Poundstone remains an absolute genius at deftly and perfectly incorporating audience feedback/comments into her act. She remains in a class by herself. Love her!!
We laughed so hard it hurt. What more could you ask for? If you have a chance go see her. You will not be disappointed.
Brilliantly Crafted Humor, allow me to elaborate. Paula Poundstone is a comic genius, using feedback from the audience to construct a customized narrative for her show. You could say, like an attorney she builds a case to sway the jury, or a bricklayer raising a wall. In this case it’s her audience that follows along until she hits the punchline with precision wordplay. Of course, her personal stories are a riot, but it all lead up to her closing punchlines. If you like clever funny, then she’s the one. Her puppet show at the end was clever and hilarious. Thanks Paula for making us laugh out loud 🤩
She started out a little slow. I didn’t like the political references. I didn’t think they were necessary. Then as she went on I did enjoy the comedy and the end was very funny.
Great show....highly recommmend Paula Poundstone and The Parker is a wonderful place to see her...
Paula Poundstone single-handedly took all of my troubles and worries away during her entire time on stage. I laughed so hard I cried. Sitting in her audience at the Parker that night made me feel completely connected to a room full of strangers in a way that is refreshing and thats because Paula is a genius and a true gift to this world. Please keep touring and coming back to the Parker specifically. I love this venue.
We have seen Paula Poundstone multiple times over the past 25 years. She was amazing. Her ability to interact with the audience and incorporate it into her comedic routine was extraordinary. It was an amazing 2 hour performance.
Paula Poundstone is extremely clever and intelligent which enables her to be very funny without being crass or mean. Half her act was riffing off things about the audience, which was very hilarious. Sometimes I laughed so hard I had tears. My sister-in-law had never seen her before. She came with me and was laughing out loud as well! The puppet show at the end was so imaginative and witty. Love you Paula!
I've been a fan of Poundstone for years. And this performance did not disappoint. She brilliantly interacts with her audience with hilarious ad libs. I know of no other comedian as quick on their feet as she is.
Paula was so funny and I so admired how she interacted w the audience and was so spontaneous. And loved how she slipped in some politics here and there. She was great
Paula Poundstone's show in El Cajon, CA, in December 2023 was brilliant. This may have been the best stand-up show I have ever personally attended. In a time when one is lucky for a comic to be able to deliver 45 minutes of solid material, Paula, in her unique way, all by herself, put on a 2.5 hour show. IMO, her hilarious manipulation of the sign person (giving signs for dead people) was next-level comedy, and she is among the best in terms of crowd work. I know as a fan of Paula's that I am biased, but she is so unique among her peers and I can't help but feel she is underappreciated in the world of comics.
Paula is a remarkable artist and I catch her live every chance that I get.
Paula Poundstone is brilliant! She can take any subject and turn into a humorous skit. I am so thankful I was able to be in her audience.
I went with three other people we all knew it was gonna be good. But were absolutely blown away by a incredible performance . My new fantasy is the meat Poler in person.
What a lovely evening! I treated myself to Paula Poundstone. I enjoyed every minute of the show! I’m returning for the Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd show. First time at the Magnolia and the Venue was amazing!! Great atmosphere!
My wife and I were laughing SO much we were barely able to breath😀 What a great performance and venue. Could not have been better.
This is my second time seeing Paula and I brought a friend. Paula has her own unique style of comedy which I luv and she never disappoints. The venue was packed and she got laughs you could hear no matter where you sat.
Paula Poundstone was very funny, especially when she does her improv. The audio quality at the Magnolia as terrible. You would think, as they had only one microphone to set up, the audio would be no problem......it was a problem. During the long wait for the show to get started, a stage hand came out twice and messed with the microphone. Then when Pounstone came out, as first you could barely hear her, we were right up front so I think we were actually hearing the monitor speakers on stage. After a few minutes they turned up the house speakers, but the sound was all muffled, could bairlt understand Poundstone some of the time.
Paula is a master joke teller. Her improv is hilarious. Her jokes stay with you after the show as they are so funny. She puts on a long show as she has staying power. An intermission would've been great. Highly recommend.
