Richard Herring is a name that has long resonated with fans of British alternative comedy. A multi-talented comedian, writer, and podcaster, Herring has carved out a legacy that blends intellectual humor with deeply personal storytelling. From early BBC appearances with Stewart Lee to pioneering the podcasting format with his acclaimed Richard Herring podcast series, his influence on the comedy scene is undeniable.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the life and work of Richard Herring, exploring his comedy career, family life, most recent tours, and memorable interactions—including one with actress Sally Phillips—that define his cultural footprint.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 12, 1967, in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, Richard Keith Herring was raised in Cheddar, Somerset. He attended The Kings of Wessex School before moving on to study Modern History at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. It was at Oxford where he first met Stewart Lee, a friendship and professional collaboration that would launch both their careers.
Lee and Herring: BBC Fame and Experimental Comedy
Herring first came to public attention in the 1990s as one-half of the comedy duo Lee and Herring, alongside Stewart Lee. The duo’s critically acclaimed shows Fist of Fun and This Morning With Richard Not Judy (TMWRNJ) were known for their surreal humor and complex satire. They found a devoted cult following and helped set the stage for an alternative, more intelligent wave of British comedy.
Though the pair eventually went their separate ways professionally, both continued to shape British comedy in unique directions.
The Rise of the Richard Herring Podcast (RHLSTP)
Perhaps more than anything else, Richard Herring podcast ventures have defined his influence on modern comedy. He is often credited as one of the earliest comedians to embrace podcasting as a viable medium for direct audience connection.
Key Shows:
- RHLSTP (Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast): A long-running interview show featuring guests like Stephen Fry, Dawn French, Tim Minchin, and David Mitchell. Herring’s interviewing style blends sincerity with silliness, allowing guests to explore both comedic and emotional territory.
- Me1 vs Me2 Snooker: A surreal solo podcast in which Herring plays snooker against himself—an exercise in absurdism and performance art.
- As It Occurs To Me (AIOTM): A scripted sketch podcast known for its self-referential humor.
RHLSTP in particular has become a staple of British podcasting, offering a mix of intelligent banter, cultural commentary, and meta-comedy.
Richard Herring Wife and Family Life
In 2012, Richard Herring married Catie Wilkins, a fellow writer, podcaster, and comedian. The couple had met in 2006 and share a mutual respect for each other’s creative lives.
They have two children, a daughter born in 2015 and a son in 2017. Herring often incorporates his experiences of parenthood into his work, using it as fertile ground for both comedy and personal reflection.
His family life remains largely private, but he occasionally references his wife and children in podcasts and live shows, often with tenderness and humor.
Richard Herring Tour Life: From Concept Shows to Health Narratives
Over the years, Herring has become known for his concept-driven stand-up tours that tackle philosophical, political, or deeply personal subjects. Some of his standout shows include:
- “Christ on a Bike” – Satirical look at Christianity.
- “Hitler Moustache” – Political commentary on race and identity.
- “What Is Love, Anyway?” – Explores romantic and familial love.
- “Oh Frig, I’m 50!” – A midlife examination filled with introspective humor.
- “Can I Have My Ball Back?” (2023–2024) – His most personal tour yet, which deals with his testicular cancer diagnosis and recovery, delivered with trademark wit and raw honesty.
Each Richard Herring tour is a masterclass in thematic stand-up, layered with callbacks, narrative arcs, and emotional payoffs. His ability to mine humor from personal pain is a hallmark of his maturity as a comic.
Richard Herring on Twitter: Comedy Meets Commentary
@Herring1967 is Herring’s official handle on Twitter (now X), where he engages in witty one-liners, political musings, and social commentary. Notably, he became known for his “International Women’s Day” trolling, where he would reply to tweets asking, “When is International Men’s Day?” with the actual answer: “November 19th.”
The Twitter campaign began as a joke but eventually raised thousands of pounds for men’s mental health charities, showing how Herring’s comedy often extends into real-world impact.
Richard Herring and Sally Phillips
Herring’s interaction with actress Sally Phillips is one of the more memorable moments in his podcast interviews. Known for her roles in Smack the Pony, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Miranda, Sally Phillips appeared on RHLSTP, where the two had a candid and thought-provoking conversation about parenting, disability advocacy (Phillips is a vocal Down syndrome awareness activist), and comedy ethics.
The episode became one of the most listened-to interviews in the podcast’s history, praised for its depth, empathy, and genuine laughter.
Health Journey: Testicular Cancer and Resilience
In 2021, Herring revealed that he had undergone surgery for testicular cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock, and his openness about it was met with widespread support.
Rather than shy away from the subject, Herring did what he does best—turned it into art. His latest tour, Can I Have My Ball Back?, is a testament to comedy’s healing power, exploring everything from medical trauma to existential questions.
Books, Writing, and Philosophy
Herring is also a published author, with books like:
- Talking Cock: A male response to The Vagina Monologues
- How Not to Grow Up: A memoir about midlife crisis
- Emergency Questions: Based on his podcast segment where he asks absurd or insightful questions to guests
These works capture Herring’s comedic style—wry, inquisitive, and often delightfully absurd.
Are Richard Herring and Stewart Lee friends?
Yes, Richard Herring and Stewart Lee were long-time comedy collaborators. While they pursued separate careers after their duo “Lee and Herring” ended, both have acknowledged mutual respect, though they are not as close as they once were.
Can I Have My Ball Back – Richard Herring Explained
“Can I Have My Ball Back?” is Richard Herring’s 2023–2024 stand-up tour based on his personal experience with testicular cancer. It explores health, masculinity, and humor in the face of adversity.
Does Stewart Lee like Richard Herring?
Yes, Stewart Lee has publicly spoken positively about Richard Herring’s work, especially in the early years of their collaboration. Though they’ve taken different comedic paths, there’s no public indication of animosity.
How tall is Richard Herring?
Richard Herring is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.
Is Richard Herring gay?
No, Richard Herring is not gay. He is married to author and comedian Catie Wilkins, and they have two children together. However, he often explores a wide range of social and identity topics in his comedy.
What is Richard Herring famous for?
Richard Herring is known for his stand-up comedy, his early work with Stewart Lee, and especially for pioneering British comedy podcasts like RHLSTP (Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast). He’s also recognized for tackling taboo or personal subjects with humor and depth.
Final Thoughts from Newtly
Richard Herring may not be the most headline-grabbing name in comedy, but his influence is profound. From shaping the alternative comedy scene of the ’90s to pioneering long-form podcasting and confronting personal challenges through humor, he has built a legacy on authenticity and originality.
At Newtly, we celebrate individuals like Richard Herring—not just for their talent, but for their vulnerability, longevity, and commitment to redefining what comedy can do. Whether he’s riffing on historical blunders, playing snooker with himself, or interviewing comedy royalty, Herring proves that true humor often lies in the depth of self-reflection.
