Richard Herring was an influential English stand-up comedian and writer, known for his innovative contributions to modern British comedy. He first gained prominence as part of the comedy double act Lee and Herring, alongside Stewart Lee, where their unique blend of humor established them as key figures in the comedy scene. Following the duo's split, Herring expanded his repertoire, writing four plays and co-creating the sitcom Time Gentlemen Please, while also returning to the stage with a series of concept-driven one-person shows, including Talking Cock, Hitler Moustache, and Christ on a Bike. His performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he showcased fourteen shows from 2004 to 2014, solidified his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary comedy. In addition to his stage work, Herring was a pioneer in comedy podcasting, initially collaborating with Andrew Collins on The Collings and Herrin Podcast, and later hosting Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, featuring notable guests like Dawn French and Stephen Fry. His commitment to sharing his thoughts and experiences is evident in his daily blog, Warming Up, which has been continuously updated since 2002 and is recognized by the British Library for its cultural significance. Herring's innovative approach to comedy and his ability to engage with audiences through various mediums have left a lasting impact on the landscape of British humor.
“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.”
“I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.”