In this lively conversation, comedian Al Murray, famed for his Pub Landlord persona, shares hilarious insights from his stage career and thoughts on political satire. He reflects on his quirky boarding school days and how they surprisingly lacked lasting psychological effects. Topics take a turn as he humorously considers which UK Prime Minister he might choose for an intimate encounter. Al also discusses his theatrical adventures, including playing Charles II, and the evolving landscape of comedy in light of Brexit and societal change.
Richard Herring shares humorous anecdotes about Bedford, highlighting the town's peculiar issues and his ambivalent feelings towards it.
Al Murray reflects on the complexities of adolescence during his boarding school experience, addressing both nostalgia and the challenges faced in that environment.
The conversation explores the evolving role of comedians like Murray in addressing political themes, emphasizing the responsibilities they bear to reflect societal changes.
Deep dives
Upcoming Live Events
The podcast announces a series of live events featuring special guests and comedians. Richard Herring mentions upcoming performances in Leicester Square Theatre, showcasing talents such as James Acaster and Count Binface. He encourages listeners to buy tickets promptly since they are selling quickly. Additionally, he highlights future gigs in Birmingham with entertainers like Josh Pugh and Ruth Husko.
Comedic Reflections on Bedford
Herring shares humorous anecdotes linked to Bedford, primarily showcasing his ambivalent feelings toward the town. He recalls a peculiar headline about illegal parking on pavements being a significant local issue. The comedic banter transitions into Herring's personal experiences of boarding school, referencing how it shaped his perspective on Bedford and discussing local rivalries. Throughout this, he engages in light-hearted jabs at the town's reputation and its surrounding areas.
School Memories and Drama
Al Murray reflects on his boarding school experiences, discussing the complex dynamics of relationships during that time. He mentions being placed into an environment with strangers and the inherent challenges of adolescence in boarding school life. Their conversation touches on how their past experiences in Bedford intersected with artistic pursuits like music and drama. Murray's narrative illustrates both fond memories and difficult moments related to this formative period.
Exploration of Historical Context
The discussion shifts to topics surrounding the British Empire and its implications in modern contexts as Herring and Murray examine how history often influences present narratives. They recount their impressions from traveling to various countries and how local perspectives drastically differ from what is typically told in history. Herring, speaking of his engagement with comedians from different cultural backgrounds, clarifies the range of reactions toward colonialism. This dialogue emphasizes the importance of reconciling historical narratives with contemporary issues.
Comedic Timing and Relevance
As the conversation continues, Murray discusses how his comedic character, the pub landlord, has regained relevance amidst current political climates. He shares insights about adapting material to resonate with audiences and reflect ongoing political changes. The humorous interaction illuminates the pressures and responsibilities comedians feel to provide not only entertainment but also social commentary. Furthermore, both speakers highlight the cyclical nature of politics and its intrinsic connection to the essence of comedy.
#533 Eternal Wee - Richard is back in Bedford, reminiscing about his second appearance on Top of the Pops. His guest is ex-Bedford public schoolboy Al Murray. They chat about how many pints you can drink during Ravel’s Bolero, the weirdness of being sent away to boarding school at the age of 9, but the disappointing lack of psychological damage that resulted from this, how Al got into drama and comedy to meet girls, playing Charles II in a Restoration romp, pretending to machine gun trains in a World War Two plane, thirty years of the Pub Landlord and whether he caused Brexit and which PM would Al have sex with if he had to?