RHLSTP with Richard Herring RHLSTP Book Club 163 - Steve Punt
Dec 5, 2025
Steve Punt, a versatile comedian and writer known for his work on The Now Show, joins Richard Herring to discuss his innovative multi-media project, Lost On Infinity. They dive into Steve's 'Benjamin Button' career and the challenges of translating radio comedy to TV. The duo explores the project's unique premise about extinction and its scientific roots, debating the ethical dilemmas of losing dogs versus humans. With insights on music quality for kids and aspirations for family entertainment, Steve's passion for storytelling shines throughout the conversation.
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Early Break On Jasper Carrott
- Steve Punt recounts starting on Jasper Carrott's prime-time BBC One show as a young writer and performer.
- He describes that early TV exposure as a backwards 'Benjamin Button' career that began in big slots and moved to late-night radio.
Make Political Comedy Accessible
- Steve Punt argues topical political comedy should be a balanced part of people's lives, not confined to a niche.
- He believes sprinkling political content makes news more accessible without alienating non-political audiences.
Sketch That Took A Day To Film
- Punt describes The Mary Whitehouse Experience as visually ambitious but a nightmare to record because of constant shot changes.
- He jokes a ten-second joke once required a full day's work with a prop horse and David Baddiel in costume.
