Andrew Hunter Murray on Bad Deeds - Book Club

Suggs (Retro) - "Back of the Head With a Plastic Cup"

Jul 6, 202651 minSummary

In this episode of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, host Richard Herring welcomes Suggs, the iconic frontman of the band Madness. The conversation offers a nostalgic and humorous deep dive into the band’s origins, their rise during the vibrant, multicultural 1980s London music scene, and their enduring legacy. Suggs reflects on the band’s early days, noting that Madness stood out because they were never trying to be "cool" in the traditional sense, but rather a group of friends who enjoyed making music together. He shares fascinating anecdotes about their lack of formal training, their penchant for theatrical mischief—such as raiding costume hire shops for police uniforms to pull pranks—and the chaotic energy of the Two Tone tour. The two also discuss the band's transition from local pub performers to pop sensations, their frequent, rebellious appearances on television, and the process of documenting their history in recent films and autobiographies. Beyond the music, they explore Suggs’s career moves, including his transition into television presenting, his forays into acting, and the importance of self-deprecation in maintaining the band's long-term success. It is an engaging conversation that highlights the serendipitous nature of fame and the band's grounded, working-class roots.

Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "Farage’s Treasure"

Jul 4, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP), Richard Herring and his collaborator Al Murray present the latest installment of their comedic segment, Rich and Ally’s Craven Newsround. Despite managing ongoing health challenges, Herring remains in high spirits, bringing his signature blend of irreverence and absurdity to the broadcast. The duo dives into the week's headlines with a satirical lens, most notably tackling the controversy surrounding Nigel Farage and a substantial gift from a crypto billionaire. Herring questions the lack of accountability and the questionable justifications offered by public figures when confronted by journalists, while Murray provides a humorous, albeit chaotic, counterpoint. The episode features their trademark rapid-fire delivery, nonsensical catchphrases, and mock-serious punditry on topics ranging from political scandals to the upcoming football matches. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a playful, high-energy dynamic as they navigate the fine line between news reportage and complete nonsense. They also continue to share their lighthearted project updates and their appreciation for the listener community, all while pushing the boundaries of their improvised, five-minute news format.

Cally Beaton on Namaste Motherf*ckers - Book Club

Jul 3, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of the Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, Richard welcomes comedian and author Cally Beaton to discuss her debut book, Namaste Motherf*ckers. The conversation delves into the creative process of writing, with Beaton sharing how she navigated the challenges of procrastination and self-doubt by adopting the mantra of prioritizing completion over perfection. The two reflect on their experiences as authors, questioning the necessity of specific labels like self-help for their work and noting how unconventional book titles can impact their placement in bookstores. Beyond the book, the discussion shifts to the experience of aging. Both hosts explore the unique challenges and liberating aspects of approaching their sixties, highlighting how perspectives on ambition and creativity evolve over time. They discuss the importance of lifelong learning—whether through music or art—as a tool for mental sharpness and personal fulfillment. Beaton shares insights from her current tour, emphasizing the vibrant energy and wisdom found in her predominantly midlife audience. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a thoughtful, humorous reflection on reinvention, the absurdity of professional expectations, and the joy of pursuing creative passions for their own sake.

Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold - "J Edgar Hoover in a Ballgown"

Jul 1, 202643 minSummary

In this episode of Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP), Richard Herring welcomes legendary comedy figures Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold for a lively discussion on their decades-spanning careers and creative partnership. The conversation touches on their early days in the Los Angeles comedy scene, where they first crossed paths with comedic icons like Michael McKean and Christopher Guest. They recount the experimental, albeit unsuccessful, pilot The TV Show, which served as a crucial proving ground for their work, including the early inception of Spinal Tap. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to their upcoming stage production, Here Comes J. Edgar. The pair discusses the challenges of bringing a musical comedy about J. Edgar Hoover to the London stage, a project they have been refining for over thirty years. They explain their desire to satirize the historical figure rather than approach the subject with typical gravity. Additionally, the guests share personal anecdotes regarding their work in the industry, their long-standing friendship, and their perspective on the nature of fame, persistence, and the volatile realities of show business.

Jordan Gray (Retro) - "Embracing Your Delicious Fate"

Jun 29, 20261h 0mSummary

In this episode of the Richard Herring Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, host Richard Herring welcomes comedian Jordan Gray for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. The discussion highlights Gray’s rapid ascent in the comedy world, particularly her breakout success at the Edinburgh Fringe. Gray explains how she leveraged her unique background as a musician—including her experience as a contestant on The Voice—to develop her distinctive style of musical comedy, which blends earnest performance with absurdist themes like superheroes. The hosts delve into the nature of modern comedy, the importance of context, and the challenges Gray faced regarding public and online reactions to her work. They explore the complexities of being a trans comedian, with Gray emphasizing that her act is primarily driven by humor rather than exclusively by her identity, noting that her perspective allows her to offer fresh, subversive takes on classic comedic tropes. Throughout the episode, the pair reflects on the power of stand-up as a medium for personal storytelling, the absurdity of fame, and the shared experience of navigating the professional comedy circuit with both humor and resilience.

Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "Incurable"

Jun 27, 202656 minSummary

In this candid and characteristically irreverent episode of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, Richard Herring joins forces with his long-time collaborator Ally for a special compilation of their satirical segment, Rich and Ally’s Craven Newsround. The episode is defined by Herring’s transparent discussion regarding his recent diagnosis of an incurable, yet treatable, blood cancer. Despite the gravity of the situation and the side effects of his ongoing medical treatment, Herring remains committed to his craft, utilizing humor as a coping mechanism and maintaining the show’s trademark absurdity. The hosts navigate the challenges of broadcasting while Herring manages his health, often dissolving into playful banter, improvised songs, and meta-commentary about the nature of their own comedic routines. They address the media’s sensationalized coverage of his diagnosis, contrast the absurdity of current political events with their satirical sketches, and connect with their audience through a shared sense of resilience. Throughout the episode, the duo maintains a lighthearted, self-deprecating tone, focusing on the importance of community and the therapeutic value of laughter in the face of life’s most daunting obstacles.

Olly Smith on Death by Noir - Book Club

Jun 26, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of the Richard Herring Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, wine expert and author Olly Smith joins the host to discuss his debut novel, Death by Noir. Smith, who has a background in professional screenwriting for children’s animation, explains how he transitioned from the wine industry to fiction writing. He explores the unique intersection of wine culture and crime, creating a sub-genre he calls "wine crime." The conversation delves into the setting of the book, the town of Lewes, and how its fiercely independent spirit and explosive Bonfire Night celebrations serve as the perfect backdrop for his murder mystery. Smith shares insights into his creative process, his commitment to themes of regenerative agriculture, and his decision to include real-world winemakers alongside his fictional protagonist, Barkley Flint. The pair also discusses the appeal of cozy mysteries, the nuances of English sparkling wine, and the exciting prospect of a future television adaptation. It is an engaging dialogue that highlights Smith’s passion for storytelling, his deep industry knowledge, and his enduring enthusiasm for the finer things in life.

Lorna Rose Treen - "A 94 Year-Old-Woman Crawling Out of a Pile of Clothes"

Jun 24, 202650 minSummary

In this episode of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, Richard is joined by comedian, writer, and performer Lorna Rose Treen. Known for her unique comedic voice and background in character-led performance, Treen shares insights into her creative process and her transition from the comedy circuit to television. The conversation centers on the reception and impact of Saturday Night Live UK, where Treen served as a writer and performer. They discuss the initial skepticism surrounding the project and how, despite negative press, the show succeeded by highlighting a wealth of previously unknown comedic talent. The pair explore the necessity of allowing comedians space to experiment, fail, and develop their voices outside of traditional sit-com formats. Treen also details her own work, including her satirical project Time of the Week, a parody of BBC’s Women’s Hour. She explains how the project allowed her to blend surrealism and sketches, proving that audiences respond well to absurdity. The two comedians reflect on the changing landscape of the industry, the importance of character work, and the thrill of producing high-budget, creative television after years of grinding through the independent comedy scene.

Mark Gatiss (Retro) - "Cucumber Coward"

Jun 22, 202656 minSummary

In this episode of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, the host welcomes back actor, writer, and director Mark Gatiss. Reflecting on their previous meeting nearly a decade prior, the pair enjoys a wide-ranging conversation that blends nostalgia with updates on their current creative projects. The discussion kicks off with a humorous experiment as Herring utilizes artificial intelligence to generate potential interview questions, leading to surreal inquiries about sentient jars of pickles and bizarre hypothetical scenarios. The conversation transitions into more substantive territory as Gatiss discusses his recent work, including his portrayal of Larry Grayson in the drama Nolly and his experience directing the stage production The Unfriend. Gatiss shares fascinating insights into the art of playing real-life figures, the technical process of capturing their voices and mannerisms, and the collaborative nature of working with long-time creative partners like Steve Pemberton and Reese Shearsmith. Throughout the episode, the two delve into their shared love for classic comedy and theatre history, touching upon the surprising stories behind long-running stage productions and the unique dynamics of show business. It is a warm, intellectually curious, and often hilarious exchange between two veteran performers.

Rich and Ally's Craven Newsround Compilation "V-Maxxing"

Jun 20, 202615 minSummary

In this episode of Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, the hosts delve into the surreal world of the Craven Newsround. The conversation kicks off with Richard discussing his upcoming live shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, expressing enthusiasm for the season ahead despite mentioning some personal medical procedures he is undergoing. He navigates the news segment with his characteristically irreverent tone, eventually tackling the controversial trend of cosmetic genital enhancement. The discussion pivots to the pressures surrounding body image and the modern aesthetic trends dubbed vagina-maxxing. Joined by various character voices, the hosts grapple with the absurdity of the topic while attempting to maintain a message of body positivity. They explore the idea that genitalia should be celebrated for their individuality rather than subjected to unnecessary cosmetic surgery. Throughout the episode, the interplay between the hosts highlights the difficulty of discussing sensitive, modern trends while maintaining a comedic, puppet-led format. Ultimately, the episode serves as a characteristically unpredictable blend of personal updates, satirical reporting, and genuine, albeit chaotic, commentary on contemporary social pressures.