Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP)

Épisodes

• Turi King on The Secrets of Our DNA - Book Club 17.07.2026 48min

  RHLSTP Book Club #188 - The Secrets of Our DNA - Richard has a remote chat with Professor of Genetics and archaeologist Turi King about her fantastic book encompassing the many advances in our understanding of DNA, a surprising number of which overlap with Richard’s interests. Find out how Cheddar Man is not as related to Richard’s history teacher as Somerset likes to claim, how some of Richard III’s bones ended up in York (for a little while at least), whether Hitler actually had one ball and whether DNA can tell us how big historical figures genitals are (and if not, what’s the point). It’s such a fun chat, also including the Princes in the Tower, bringing back dinosaurs, the guilt or innocence of OJ Simpson and catching serial killers via DNA websites. Plus find out what Richard’s surname reveals about his origins.Buy the book here - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-secrets-of-our-dna-how-genetics-has-changed-the-world-professor-turi-king/c2eeb0f1c0ed98daSUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Mitch Benn (Part 2) - "Two Large Fifty-Something Tiny Tims" 15.07.2026 43min

  RHLSTP #618 - Two Large Fifty-Something Tiny Tims - Rich is back in salty Droitwich with last week’s guest Mitch Benn. They discuss the huge number of Edinburgh shows Mitch has done, his fandom of Tom Lehrer, Mitch is the 37th Beatle, an unexpected Dickens connection, whether satire is best done from an apolitical perspective and why fascism is ultimately doomed, not being retained by the Now Show after 17 years, how all the old satirical songs some around again, Mitch’s prodigious work ethic and how he gets so much done whether we need proportional representation, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Dracula and the return of a classic emergency question.See Mitch in Edinburgh - https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/mitch-benn-asking-elvisSee RHLSTP in Edinburgh - https://www.thestand.co.uk/fringe/2925/richard-herring-rhlstpSUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO) and Ben Walker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Rhys James (Retro) - "Hungover Mastermind" 13.07.2026 1h 7min

  #442 Hungover Mastermind - Richard is basking in the possibly short-lived approval of one of his kids and is trying to make money off the ideas of the other one. His guest is Mock the Week favourite, Rhys James. They discuss the tallest building in Swindon, the worst place in Hertfordshire, writing right wing and left wing material on the same subject, what Richard said about Rhys when he saw him in a new act competition, the enduring problem of the last packet of crisps falling into a volcano, whether it’s better to have one ball or one kidney, wearing a tuxedo on Pointless, why people might think Rhys is deaf and more sad tales of romantic embarrassment.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT 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.
• Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "Old Red Eye is Back" 11.07.2026 1h 11min

  Monday 6th July 2026 - Old Red Eye is Back - Rich has got out of his sick bed to bring you all the news that you won’t hear on the lamestream media. Today finally Pizza Express has done an investigation to find out whether Andrew Battenberg-Cake came there in March 2001 and the results are frankly astonishing. We hear from the man himself to see where his life may go now.Tuesday 7th July 2026 - Farage Above the Garage - Rich and Ally are back with breaking news about Farage’s resignation and Richard’s health. The badinage is strong. The news is balanced and unbiased.Wednesday 8th July 2026 - Imagine There’s a Heaven - Rich and Ally are back tacking the really big news stories that others are too scared to handle. Today they report on what happens when you die and get a report direct from Heaven to see if that idea is correct.Friday 10th July 2026 - Stamford Brook - It’s the last Newsround for a little while as the team head off for a much deserved holiday, but we’re covering a big story - the cock infested Reading Embroidery. Should the British Museum keep it or should it be censored. Expect some strong opinions and a factually dubious song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Joe Wells and Abigoliah Schamaun on Neurodivergent Moments - Book Club 10.07.2026 50min

  RHLSTP Book Club #187 - Neurodivergent Moments - Richard chats to Joe and Abigoliah about their book of humorous essays, Neurodivergent Moments. They discuss whether neurodivergence is an advantage as a comedian, why you can hate being in crowds, but love performing in front of crowds, how comedy remains the best way to educate people without them noticing, why this book is nonetheless primarily about making jokes rather than teaching lessons (but still does both jobs), what masking involves and why it is necessary, how risk taking can present itself in having loads of sex with strangers and why it’s OK to make mistakes about this kind of stuff, as long as you’re genuinely interested in learning about it.Here’s all the places you can buy the book https://linktr.ee/ndm_bookSUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Mitch Benn (Part 1) - "Wild-Eyed Loner at the Gates of Oblivion" 08.07.2026 41min

  RHLSTP #617 - Wild-Eyed Loner at the Gates of Oblivion - Rich is in salt-obsessed Droitwich at the second Rik Mayall festival and reads a bit of the never produced script of Man Down that he wrote for Rik (who would have done it better). His guest is Rik-fan, musician and comedian (usually at the same time) Mitch Benn. They chat about the remarkable cast of the Edinburgh show “The Bootleg Bootleg Beatles” and their varying fortunes, what Rik meant to the kids back in the early 80s, how Mitch was secretly the most popular comedy character in the UK for several years and getting to play Zaphod Beeblebrox alongside the original radio cast. It’s a solo performance to match the great Brian Blessed, but Rich manages a couple of humorous interjections!See Mitch in Edinburgh - https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/mitch-benn-asking-elvisSee RHLSTP in Edinburgh - https://www.thestand.co.uk/fringe/2925/richard-herring-rhlstpSUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO) and Ben Walker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Suggs (Retro) - "Back of the Head With a Plastic Cup" 06.07.2026 52min

  #441 Back of the Head With a Plastic Cup - Richard has been having weird dreams, but don’t try and interpret anything from them. His guest is singer, actor, presenter and legend Graham “Suggs” McPherson. They chat about how Madness might just be the defining band of the 80s, how their songs can make you travel in time, the brilliant social document of their book/documentary “Before We Was We”, the first appearance on Top of the Pops, pranking the clash, the Two Tone tour, plus the Madness sitcom that never was, appearing on the Young Ones, Suggs’ first attempt at stand up, the new album and tour in the works and his explosive acting career. Plus being caught up in a deadly riot and the best answer to the chrysalis question yet.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT 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.
• Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "Farage’s Treasure" 04.07.2026 33min

  Monday 29th June 2026 - Farage’s Treasure - Rich and Ally are here for maybe the only time this week to discuss Farage’s 5 million and the question that no one seems to ask him. The reporting remains unbiased and factual as always.Please buy a T shirt at http://gofasterstripe.com/allyFriday July 3rd 2026 - Haggy Girthday Gargara - Rich has risen like a Lazarus from his sick bed to bring you the news the lame stream media won’t cover. He realises almost immediately that he’s made a terrible mistake, but that doesn’t stop him and Ally making a pitch to cover the next World Cup for Netflix. Your last chance to get on the Thank You Moriarty T shirt is this weekend. Order your t shirt here http://gofasterstripe.com/ally Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Cally Beaton on Namaste Motherf*ckers - Book Club 03.07.2026 53min

  RHLSTP Book Club #186 - Namaste Motherf*ckers - Richard is back at the Podcast Room talking to stand up, motivational speaker and former TV executive about her first book, Namaste Motherf*ckers. They talk about whether this is a book for everyone, young and old, whether the young will ever learn from the old and wise, whether this is a self help book and whether you would take a self help pill to solve all your problems, why single life can be a good life and careering towards our sixties, but not being like our grandparents were at the same ageBuy the book here - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/namaste-motherf-ckers-a-modern-manifesto-for-keeping-cool-when-you-re-a-hot-mess-the-sunday-times-top-10-bestseller-cally-beaton/6b2234553af2b4d8SUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO)Recorded at the Podcast Room Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold - "J Edgar Hoover in a Ballgown" 01.07.2026 43min

  RHLSTP #616 - J Edgar Hoover in a Ballgown - Richard has a remote chat with two powerhouses of American comedy Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold. They talk about Tom writing on some of the biggest sitcoms of the last few decades, how the pair met, their failed TV pilot that saw the birth of Spinal Tap, Tom’s conversion from Judaism to Catholicism, their brand new 32 year old project Here Comes J. Edgar! a comedy musical about a terrible man who held US politicians hostage to his will by use of his blackmailing list, how ridicule is the only thing that can hurt men like this. Plus what is Chevy Chase really like, how Paul McCartney is one of the great comedy improvisers and why Harry is still happy working on the Simpsons after all these years and how have these two maintained their friendship for so very long.Tickets for the show here https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/here-comes-j-edgar-a-comedy-musical-t7zcSee RHLSTP at the Fringe http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO) and Ben Walker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Jordan Gray (Retro) - "Embracing Your Delicious Fate" 29.06.2026 1h

  #440 Embracing Your Delicious Fate - Richard comes bearing great news for those who seek seduction via pizza. His guest is the hottest new act in comedy right now, the incredible Jordan Gray. They talk about the smell of elephant dung, why she wasn’t allowed to set herself on fire on TV, a visit from Magneto, a double-teaming Bros, the erudition of Paloma Faith, Twitter storms, political footballs and why she is first and foremost a comedian and the lengths that people will go to to get into a toilet. Plus another amazing story of ridiculousness emerging from love and a billion Richard Herring sex robots.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT 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.
• Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "Incurable" 27.06.2026 56min

  Monday 22nd June 2026 - Incurable - Rich is back after a brief hiatus to have some aborted chemo and maybe he’s returned to work too soon. Or maybe it’s the perfect time. The Prime Minister’s resignation is high on the agenda and there are two guest politicians to talk about it. Plus an amazing wartime song to cheer your heart and help you keep up the fight.Get a tshirt here (if you are quick) - https://gofasterstripe.com/allyThursday 25th June 2026 - Too Hot To Newsround - Rich and Ally try to broadcast in this incredible heat, but they are wilting fast. At least they tried.Might have been better not to bother on this one.Buy a T shirt here http://gofasterstripe.com/allyFriday 26th June 2026 - Portmanteau -Rich and Ally brave the heat to talk about the King finally coughing up some tax, for getting very little in return. God save him. Plus a visit from a former royal.Buy a T shirt here http://gofasterstripe.com/ally Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Olly Smith on Death by Noir - Book Club 26.06.2026 40min

  RHLSTP Book Club #185 - Death by Noir - Rich meets Britain’s favourite wine expert (possibly) Olly Smith to talk about his Wine Crime Book, Death by Noir. They talk about how he isn’t just another celebrity cashing in with murder mystery books, as he was already an award winning writer, how he became a wine expert, whether there are any good non-alcoholic or English wines, why he wanted to write about a wine drinking amateur detective, being mistaken for a popular kids TV character, how the book is a love letter to not just wine and the process of making it, but the town of Lewes and the eccentric people who live there, doing a podcast with P!nk, the bits of England that remain very much themselves, whether anyone can really tell what wine smells of and the exciting possibility of turning the book into a TV show or film and what it’s like finally working with his brother Will Smith (not that one)Buy the book here - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/death-by-noir-olly-smith/7973486SUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO)Recorded at the Podcast Room Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Lorna Rose Treen - "A 94 Year-Old-Woman Crawling Out of a Pile of Clothes" 24.06.2026 50min

  RHLSTP #615 - A 94 Year-Old-Woman Crawling Out of a Pile of Clothes - Richard is at the Podcast Room again and this time joined by multi-award winning character comedian and writer, Lorna Rose Treen. They chat about subverting expectations on SNL UK, how the exquisite Time of the Week came out of Lorna working on Women’s Hour, winning the Edinburgh’s Joke of the Fringe with a joke that wasn’t even the best joke in the same minute of her show, being responsible for the death of comedy (according to the Sun), why it’s good for comedy to be silly and it’s important that female performers are allowed to be flawed and ridiculous and why a man with a bad sink joke ruined Rich’s career.SUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO) and Ben WalkerRecorded at the Podcast Room Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Mark Gatiss (Retro) - "Cucumber Coward" 22.06.2026 56min

  #439 Cucumber Coward - Richard is hoping to replace himself with an AI host and has left the emergency questions and some of the stand up to the robots. His guest, returning after a hiatus of just 400 episodes is the wonderful Mark Gatiss. They discuss the unfair tale of Jacob Marley, the influence of Robin Askwith, playing to camera 3 as Larry Grayson, Mark’s many theatre projects, working with Anthony Hopkins after portraying him in TMWRNJ and directing Reece Shearsmith. But will we find out his favourite episode of Sherlock and will Rich be here next week?Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT 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.
• Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "V-Maxxing" 20.06.2026 15min

  Monday 15th June 2026 - V-Maxxing - Rich and Ally are back, though for Rich, maybe not for long, as Ally blurts out what he’s going through this week. Ever the pro, Rich pushes onwards despite attempts to make the whole show nothing but same phrases to discuss the controversial topic of Vagina-maxing. Is this the right medium to discuss this? Yes it is. Remember, Rich thinks whatever you think about this and is very much on your side. Unless you’re one of the dead-eyed people doing the operations.Get a tshirt here (if you are quick) - https://gofasterstripe.com/ally Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Evie King on Get Ahead of Being Dead - Book Club 19.06.2026 44min

  RHLSTP Book Club #184 - Get Ahead of Being Dead - Rich catches up with Evie King (if that is her real name) to talk about her unique job and the books she has written about it and why we need to get prepped for our own deaths. They chat about organising funerals for people who die with no one to do it for them (and how that could be you), whether it’s necessary for her to work as hard as she does on this, how you need a strong stomach for her job, but also why you need to write down all your details and funereal wishes, why you can’t have a Viking funeral, but can be buried in your own garden, why you’re a tricky to burn bag of fluid, why dying shouldn’t be so taboo and thing you can do to liven up your funeral. A very positive book and chat about a subject that people don’t like to talk about.Buy the book here - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/get-ahead-of-being-dead-your-handy-planner-for-the-end-of-life-evie-king/3ac88527cbfebe4fSUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO)Recorded at the Podcast Room Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Tim Minchin - "You’re Already Grown Up" 17.06.2026 58min

  RHLSTP #614 - You’re Already Grown Up - Rich talks to musical genius, actor and comedian Tim Minchin. They discuss the possibility of a reboot of another kids’ classic and Tim’s possible involvement in it, how Ernie Herring responded to Matilda, the technical changes made to the film version of the musical, the gentle pivot into more serious songs, what the devil is up to and the incredible sacrifice of Judas, Richard’s favourite ever guest and why Rich shouldn’t judge his colleagues too harshly, some Shrek based content and a promise from Tim to compete the circle, how silence can be golden in comedy and creative wonderful art and return for the final episode of RHLSTP (as he was the first ever guest). Plus his plans for the next couple of years.The tiny Asian Bee Gees can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r4E5osk0jkSUPPORT 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 STRIPEAudio mix by Ben Evans (NTO)Thanks to Chris Evans (NTO) and Ben WalkerRecorded at the Podcast Room Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Retro) - "Adelaide Clowns" 15.06.2026 1h 12min

  #437 Adelaide Clowns - Richard has had a wonderful Saturday night without his wife doing what most men can only dream of. His guest is ubiquitous comedy actor and extremely good guy, Kiell Smith-Bynoe. They talk about the best acting job in the world, appearing on Death in Paradise, with some insights into what goes on off camera, getting intimate with an ex-Doctor Who assistant on the ace new series Dreamland, searching for real ghosts on the set of Ghosts, rating the catering on different TV shows, making too many omelettes and a rare career mis-step in Australian theatre. Plus the most considered answer to the human centipede question yet, a few hints about the new series of Taskmaster and find out who is the most objectionable cast member on Ghosts.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT 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.
• Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "Milked in a Basement" 13.06.2026 1h 15min

  Tuesday 9th June 2026 - Milked in a Basement - Rich has been too busy or tired to do Newsround for a few days and to be honest probably should have given it a miss today. But news doesn’t wait for someone to be in the mood to tell you what the news is and luckily one person on this show can enunciate. The boys are talking about creating sperm in a lab and what that might mean for humanity. It’s an all time classic. Thank you Moriarty.Wednesday 10th June 2026- Scooby DUMB - Rich is a bit less tired than yesterday, but still quite tired and he can’t believe that he is having his childhood destroyed. Just leave things the way they are. When they were good. When I was young. Plus big news about Prince Harry.Thursday 11th June 2026 - Blue Anchor - Rich and Ally are a bit put out to find out they are not the most popular thing in the show, but they plough on regardless, looking into the case of the mysterious cider drinking mannequin in Minehead. What really happened? The lamestream media won’t tell you, but we will.Friday 12th June 2026 - Sodomised Gargoyles - It’s the last Newsround of the week and a weary Richard Herring talks us through not one, not two, but three big news stories, travelling the world from Russia/Ukraine to Spain and then right out into outer space and unknowable time. You don’t get that on the grown-up news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.