Richard Herring
Richard Herring – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Discover the life and career of Richard Herring, the sharp-witted English comedian, writer, and podcast pioneer. Explore his journey from sketch comedy to solo shows, his philosophy on humour and masculinity, and some of his most striking quotes.
Introduction
Richard Keith Herring (born 12 July 1967) is a celebrated English comedian, writer, podcaster, and performer. Known for his satirical wit, dark humour, and inventive solo shows, Herring has carved a unique niche in British comedy. From his early days working in a double act with Stewart Lee to becoming a solo force with groundbreaking podcasts, Herring’s work often blends personal reflection with social commentary, revealing layers of insight beneath his jokes. This article dives deep into his life, career, legacy, and memorable quotes.
Early Life and Family
Richard Herring was born in Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. He grew up in Cheddar, Somerset, as the youngest of three children. His father was headmaster and mathematics teacher at The Kings of Wessex School, and his mother was also a teacher. The dynamics of having his father as headmaster would later become material in his comedy — notably in his show The Headmaster’s Son.
Growing up in a household tied to education and discipline influenced both his worldview and his comedic sensibility — structured, introspective, and aware of authority and rebellion in equal measure.
Youth and Education
Herring attended The Kings of Wessex School, where his father worked. In school, he demonstrated academic ability and engaged with humour and performance early, but also felt a tension between the studious environment and his comedic impulses.
He then went on to study history at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, earning a 2:1 degree. At Oxford, he contributed to student comedy troupes such as the Seven Raymonds and the Oxford Revue, laying a foundation for his future in comedy.
These academic and early-comedy experiences gave Herring tools to blend intellect and humour — a hallmark of his later style.
Career and Achievements
Lee & Herring: Comedic Partnership (1992–2000)
Richard Herring first gained public recognition through his collaboration with Stewart Lee in the double act Lee & Herring. Their work ranged from radio to television: Fist of Fun (radio, then TV), This Morning with Richard Not Judy, and other sketches. The contrast between Lee’s dry, sardonic style and Herring’s more mischievous, chaotic approach created a dynamic and beloved partnership.
During this period they also wrote for influential comedy programmes such as On the Hour and contributed to the development of iconic characters in British comedy culture. Their partnership ended around 2000, after which Herring embarked on a solo path.
Solo Shows & Stand-Up
After the split, Herring turned increasingly toward solo work, developing concept-driven one-person shows that toured and often premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe. Some of his standout show titles include Talking Cock, Hitler Moustache, The Headmaster’s Son, Oh… I’m 40!, We’re All Going to Die!, and Lord of the Dance Settee.
His 2002 show Talking Cock is especially notable: it explored men’s relationships to their bodies, sexuality, and identity, and was adapted into a book, DVD, and podcast. Critics described it as provocative and deeply personal.
His show The Headmaster’s Son drew on his own upbringing to examine authority, fatherhood, and identity. Across his solo output, Herring often weaves personal history, cultural critique, and existential reflection into comedic form.
Podcasts, Blog & Digital Work
In parallel with his stage work, Herring became a pioneer in digital comedy. In November 2002 he began his daily blog Warming Up, and has maintained it without interruption since then. Some blog entries later informed his stand-up material.
He co-created the Collings & Herrin podcast with Andrew Collins (2008–2011) and later launched Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP). He also hosts Me1 vs Me2 Snooker, a podcast in which he plays snooker against himself (as two personas), combining absurdity with metaphorical commentary.
Through podcasts and blogs, Herring expanded his reach, interviewing major figures (e.g. Stephen Fry) and cultivating a committed online following. His blog is archived by the British Library for its cultural significance.
Television, Radio & Writing
Though Herring’s solo presence on TV has been more limited, he has appeared in and written for shows such as Time Gentlemen Please, You Can Choose Your Friends, and had earlier involvement with Fist of Fun and This Morning with Richard Not Judy.
On radio, he participated in Lionel Nimrod’s Inexplicable World, Fist of Fun (radio version), That Was Then, This Is Now, Banter and other series.
He’s also authored books such as Talking Cock, How Not to Grow Up, Emergency Questions, The Problem With Men, and Can I Have My Ball Back? — the latter being a memoir reflecting on his experience with testicular cancer.
Recent Health & Comeback
In early 2021, Herring was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgical treatment (orchidectomy) and a round of chemotherapy. His personal ordeal became material in his 2024–25 tour show Can I Have My Ball Back?, blending humour and vulnerability.
He also leveraged the experience to advocate for men’s health, raising awareness and funds, particularly for the charity Scope, through public storytelling and fundraising campaigns.
Historical Milestones & Context
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Alternative Comedy Movement: Herring emerged during a period when British comedy was shifting from traditional stand-up to more subversive, self-referential, and intelligent humour.
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Transition to Digital: His early adoption of blogging and podcasting allowed Herring to bypass traditional media gatekeepers, influencing how comedians engage audiences in the internet era.
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Personal Narrative in Comedy: While autobiographical elements in comedy are not new, Herring’s willingness to confront masculinity, sexuality, illness, and aging in public with both humour and introspection has expanded the boundaries of what stand-up can address.
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Cultural & Social Commentary: Through shows like Talking Cock and The Problem With Men, he injects social critique into his comedy, challenging norms around gender and identity.
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Podcast Influence: RHLSTP is often cited among the most influential comedy interview podcasts in the UK, hosting many prominent figures and shaping the podcast-comedy crossover.
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Legacy of Reinvention: His return to stand-up after health crises underscores resilience, and how personal trauma can be converted into art and advocacy.
Legacy and Influence
Richard Herring’s influence is multifaceted:
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Many younger comedians cite him as a pioneer in mixing personal subject matter with comedic risk.
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His blog and podcasts have inspired others to see non-traditional media as viable platforms for comedy.
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Through his work on masculinity (e.g. The Problem With Men) and illness (Can I Have My Ball Back?), Herring has pushed comedy toward more open, emotionally honest territory.
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His output — daily writing, prolific touring, multiple media formats — demonstrates a work ethic that inspires consistency in creative practices.
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His charitable activities (Scope, men’s health) show how comedians can integrate social purpose with performance.
Personality and Talents
Intellectual Wit & Self-Awareness
Herring’s comedy often interlaces cleverness, literary allusion, and self-reflection. He questions his own persona, sometimes mocking himself before the audience can.
Courage & Vulnerability
He confronts difficult subjects — cancer, identity, mortality — in his work, showing that laughter can coexist with seriousness.
Conversational Skills
In his podcasts, his interviewing style is relaxed but probing, letting guests open up while guiding the talk thoughtfully.
Prolific & Disciplined
Maintaining a daily blog for decades, producing shows year after year, and continuously reinventing his formats illustrates rare discipline in a field known for burnout.
Empathy & Social Conscience
Herring is not just a comedian; he regularly raises awareness for mental health, men’s issues, and disability charity causes, demonstrating that his humour is anchored in care.
Famous Quotes of Richard Herring
Here are several quotes that showcase his comedic insight, emotional nuance, and wit:
“I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”
“Are you able to explain what differentiates a satsuma from a clementine or a mandarin?”
“Like Sam Beckett in Quantum Leap (though it could equally have been something created by the guy who wrote Waiting for Godot), I hoped that each completed year would be my leap home.”
“It’s part of what humour is about: finding the light side of tragedy; being able to laugh in the face of life’s horrors. Even when we are powerless, it gives us the illusion of power.”
“The patriarchy is grabbing you by the pussy and you’re such a little bitch you actually cheerlead for it. When are you going to grow some balls and become a feminist?”
“There is nothing your child is going to learn right now at the age of 10 that is going to make or break their career at 24. There just isn’t.” (Note: though often misattributed, this type of quote is more typical of parenting discourse; it does not appear in known Herring sources. Always good to verify quotes.)
These quotes reflect Herring’s ability to mix humour with emotional and political insight, to question norms, and to push audiences to think while laughing.
Lessons from Richard Herring
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Be Unafraid to Evolve
Herring has shifted medium (stage, blog, podcast) and tone (irreverent to intimate) while maintaining an authentic voice. -
Use Personal Hardship as Creative Fuel
By exploring illness, identity, and aging in his work, he demonstrates how vulnerability can deepen rather than weaken comedic material. -
Discipline Beats Inspiration
His decades-long daily blog shows the power of consistent output over waiting for “good ideas.” -
Humour as Resistance & Reflection
His comedy often critiques social norms and invites reflection, showing that laughter can be a path to insight. -
Bridge Art and Advocacy
Through fundraising, health awareness, and openness about personal issues, he connects performance with purpose. -
Interviewing as Craft
His podcast work reminds us that conversation — not just monologue — can be a powerful stage for humour and connection. -
Embrace Risk
Tackling taboo topics, experimenting with form, and being candid about failure are risks he embraces — and often they pay off.
Conclusion
Richard Herring is more than a comedian — he is a creative philosopher, cultural critic, storyteller, and healer through laughter. His journey from sketch work with Stewart Lee to solo shows and podcasting is one of continual reinvention grounded in honesty and intellect. His willingness to lean into vulnerability, to poke at taboos, and to build connection with audiences marks him as a standout in modern comedy.
If you'd like, I can also pull together a complete, verified collection of Richard Herring’s quotes with sources, or analyze one of his shows in depth. Would you like me to do that next?