RHLSTP with Richard Herring

RHLSTP #592 - Smell My Suit - It’s another Leicester Square Theatre podcast and Rich is wondering if he’s already got to the point where his kids are funnier than him (low bar). His guest is the multi-talented and almost ubiquitous Paul F Tompkins. They chat about the practical drawbacks of acting with a claw, why Mr Peanut Butter in Bojack Horseman has the same voice as Paul, the unique confidence of starting stand-up at 17 and assuming you’re the best, why Paul wears a suit on stage and whether Rich should check it for freshness, the amazing Beatles-like fandom behind the long running show The Thrilling Adventure Hour and how Paul has successfully bridged old and new comedy in what he does, whether it’s better to be in one episode of everything or all episodes of one thing, an exemplary display of how to answer emergency questions and one of the possible reasons why Richard isn’t a more successful actor.See RHLSTP Live - https://richardherring.com/gigsSUPPORT THE SHOW!See details of the RHLSTP LIVE DATES Watch our TWITCH CHANNELBecome a badger and see extra content at our WEBSITE Buy DVDs and books from GO FASTER STRIPE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victoria Coren Mitchell, a talented writer, presenter, and professional poker player known for hosting Only Connect, shares her captivating journey through fame and poker. She recounts hilarious anecdotes from her teenage years and experiences with celebrity poker players. Victoria opens up about her family background, personal insecurities, and her relationship dynamics with David Mitchell. She also reflects on the challenges of media portrayal and the emotional impact of art, revealing the unexpected tears brought on by Michelangelo's David.

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.

Richard Ayoade, the multi-talented actor, director, author, and comedian, shares insights on his eclectic career and creative choices. He reflects on his cult classic, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, and the challenges he faced as the only UK cast member for The IT Crowd's US pilot. Ayoade discusses his book, Afterthoughts, filled with quirky aphorisms, and his preference for directing shorter films. They dive into the emotional intensity of reality TV and Ayoade's upcoming projects, including children's books and new films.

Anneka Rice, a beloved television presenter and creator of formats like Treasure Hunt, shares her journey into stand-up comedy and her poignant radio series, 'Anneka Has Issues.' She humorously recounts an airport mishap involving a souvenir bullet and reflects on using comedy to tackle serious topics like Alzheimer's. Anneka also discusses her community projects and the revival of 'Challenge Annika,' emphasizing the importance of altruism and personal connections with the elderly. With an engaging blend of humor and honesty, she explores life, death, and the creative process.

Journalist and author Jonathan Freedland joins Richard Herring to discuss his gripping non-fiction thriller, The Traitor's Circle. They delve into the chilling consequences of personal betrayal during Nazi Germany and the unexpected profiles of resisters, including aristocrats and diplomats. Freedland reveals the shocking origins of mass murder and the historical parallels to modern authoritarianism. The discussion highlights the courage of those who defied oppression and the emotional toll of uncovering these stories, making history both haunting and inspiring.

Rhys James, a stand-up comedian and broadcaster known for his panel show appearances, shares hilarious insights on everything from his quirky poker journey to pranking the lactose intolerant. He dives into the complexities of urinal etiquette and the challenges of being tall yet feeling small. The duo speculates on the future of Taskmaster, especially following Greg Davies's possible departure, and debates the influence of AI on comedy and entertainment. Rhys also recalls a unique charity prank involving a single DVD and reveals his regrets about buying a Rolex spoon.

#416 John the Mouse - Rich has some helpful suggestions to help the footballers support LGBTQ+ rights and is amazed by the press reaction to last week’s podcast. His guest is superlative stand up comedian and podcaster James Acaster. They discuss Nasty Nick’s funeral, the Richard E Grant mystery, why James never retired from stand up and why he’s now inviting hecklers, the weird experience of being a last minute replacement mouse in Cinderella, confusing and angering people with his fantastically funny new book “James Acaster’s Guide to Quitting Social Media”, his new audio sitcom and how his brilliant routine about edgy comics has done no good at all. Plus will James agree with Richard’s conjecture that all music is terrible?Buy James’ book here https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/james-acaster-s-guide-to-quitting-social-media-james-acaster/6882707Listen to Springleaf here - https://www.jamesacaster.com/springleaf/Buy Richard’s book here http://gofasterstripe.com/ballSUPPORT THE SHOW!See details of the RHLSTP LIVE DATES Watch our TWITCH CHANNELBecome a badger and see extra content at our WEBSITE Buy DVDs and books from GO FASTER STRIPE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club #161 - Seriously Silly - The Life of Terry Jones - Richard chats to renowned comedy historian Robert Ross about his fabulous new biography of actor, writer, director and Python, Terry Jones. The topics includes what it’s like to befriend a Python and how that friendship affects the writing of a biography, how comedy history can be a map for future comedians, how Jones’ influence in the sketch group is perhaps underestimated, how the Python members could never have imagined that the sketch show they were embarking on would bind them for the rest of their lives, what a fine movie director he was, how he helped Rich get an A in his A level English, how his dementia affected his later years and how the new naked statue of Terry will be viewed by the people of the future.Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/seriously-silly-the-life-of-terry-jones-the-authorised-biography-robert-ross/4553b8f600a0191aSUPPORT THE SHOW!See details of the RHLSTP LIVE DATES Watch our TWITCH CHANNELBecome a badger and see extra content at our WEBSITE Buy DVDs and books from GO FASTER STRIPE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nish Kumar, a talented comedian and writer, shares insights from his recent tour and experiences in the U.S. He humorously critiques the concept of class identity, discussing how perceptions change with wealth. Nish reflects on the challenges of comedy in today's political landscape, addressing the limits of satire and the dangers of 'both-sidesism.' With amusing anecdotes about his doppelgänger Jason Mantzoukas and a mishap in a canoe, he emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in the comedy world and the evolving industry shaped by social media.