Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast - with Stephen Merchant #33

[@bidvision]

I watched this because I'd heard that Stephen Merchant got angry, but he seemed to take it all with good humour to me.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Thanks for that. I'm here for the same reason and not being a Merchant fan I'm happy to be able to bail after five minutes

[@polar199]

He was narky

[@martinus9755]

This was really enjoyable. Totally perplexed at the idea that Stephen was hurt or annoyed. The crowd seemed to miss the banter between Richard and Stephen making it seem uncomfortable.

[@retcon1991]

...and actually, the question about Extras seemed thought-through and sincere and clearly came from someone who had enjoyed the show otherwise. I'd rather have an honest critique than mindless gushing.

[@lwaves]

+bassben04 It was a valid criticism, even though I personally disagree with Richard's opinion as I loved season 2. But the show did change exactly how he said..

[@Schizopantheist]

By the way, there are a few minutes of nothing at the end of the video. Perhaps a reminder of the futility of all human striving.

[@bnoel1021]

+Schizopantheist Yes, the type of post-modernist, existentialism-tinged expression we've come to expect from Richard Herring.

[@TheGreatSteve]

Still probably better than the first 3 minutes.

[@revol148]

I felt that watching the clips where there was something....

[@garyrigby21]

Watching this again it's one of the funniest RHLSTP's

[@jimlockeyarchive3198]

Heard Richard talking about this is Adam Buxton. Great podcast by the way, and deepened my appreciation of herring to hear him drop character a little... Any way, I thought we were going to see merchant going mental or something. Seemed good natured to me, Stephens getting Laughs out the audience with that reaction. Seems like he gets it. Maybe he was all cross about it later but don't see it here.

[@npreshaw]

Been looking forward to this for ages! I'll watch it again on International Men's day.

[@affalaffaa]

Wookey Hole is good, apart from you can't walk around without a guide. Chedder caves are more impressive and you can just wander. Dan-Yr-Ogof, South Wales, is pretty good as well. Very close to Chedder in impressiveness. These are my views of some cave systems of Southern Britain.

[@lizzmannable]

They do have pub quizzes in the US. They are just called Trivia Nights or something like that. I used to do them all the time.

[@rockyroo10]

I really don't think this is as bad as you think Richard, I laughed a shit ton at a lot of Stephen's anecdotes

[@jabt2023]

Anyone who has listened to the XFM shows has heard Steve much more upset than this 🤣

[@willemgroenewegen5934]

To be honest, I was dreading watching this one because of all the ominous references Richard made to this interview in previous and future episodes (I am watching the podcasts in order of the youtube 'videos' section). But having now watched it, I don't really see the problem. I suppose it's fair comment that Merchant thought the Pegg interview was more respectful, but then Merchant was in a free-ranging podcast with Gervais and Pilkington for years, so perhaps Richard felt freer in choosing topics for discussion. And let's not forget, in that podcast series, the three of them are constantly critical of each other. I actually enjoyed this one more than the Pegg interview. Pegg does the whole 'they're wonderful to work with etc.' shtick that all Hollywood actors do, so that's a bit boring, really. So yes, good interview, you get some actual insight into how Merchant thinks. And his sensitivity to penis issues is an instant classic, let's face it.

[@NeoDragoN7676]

I just never found this awkward, i'm sure Stephen has heard much much worse lol. I think it's all part of Steves act/banter tbh.

[@kisbie]

Gervais gets much worse. "Not funny without the other one", "the other one wrote all the good bits", "not funny without Karl". Partly because it is true, but still...

[@Debagio]

@@kisbie It IS true, yes.

[@Taquana26]

Thanks! I have waited so long for this particular recording to air. Fucking hilarious!

[@MrVideoDVD]

Holy shit, I just stumbled upon these. Each one is fucking great.

[@ReeceH92]

Can anyone please explain to me what it is Steve was supposedly annoyed about, and give me a time-stamp of when it goes awkward? I listened to this one a while ago and never noticed anything off about this interview.

[@stevethomas5109]

I haven't seen the office. I assume it's good. But, after watching him on this, this Stephen bloke is a genuine star. And naturally funny.

[@neilbiggin]

I've just watched this again from behind the sofa, between fingers, and it's absolutely nowhere near what I remembered at the time. SM is just playing along with the tone of the madness, how else could he possibly respond? They're clearly friends and it's a unique interview for SM. I'm sure he enjoyed it vastly more than the typical merry-go-round for promotional purposes. RH was just being his wonderful irreverent self, probably taking it further here because he knew he could as SM is a great sport. When you do as many of these as he has (200 now) there are going to be all kinds of experiences. Think about the ribbing SM, RG and KP give each other, this was gentle by comparison. I actually think this is now one of my favourites and they both come out of it really well.

[@CAMZAB]

Listened to this a while back, because there was no video, because it was apparently awkward, controversial, Merchant hated it or went badly like a car crash. I couldn't hear what the fuss was about at the time. The footage is making it no clearer. I can't speak for Merchant but he probably didn't think it would be a Des and Mel type interview and was then shocked.

[@alkapowportstar7808]

+CAMZAB it just creates a small amount of publicity and more views for the pod-casts and maybe more donations to rich's kick-starters further down the line...pretty clever really....

[@weavehole]

Little and Large has let himselfs go.

[@alkapowportstar7808]

+weavehole "have" "themselves"

[@alistairpage-mcgill2723]

+Alkapow Portstar 'bookshelfs'

[@jamesdann8071]

After you walk off stage do you guys post-show-mingle or leave immediately? Would be good to see the post show mingle over some credits - it's all I live for.

[@saturatedwithsound]

Stephen rolled with it fine and made jokes about it. I felt that Richard was also fine with the way he discussed why he didn't like season 2. Why people made a big deal of this I dunno.

[@cats-uk]

Can you please edit teh description and maybe add the date this was filmed ? Just the month and year.

[@johnreilly63]

I didn't know Clarissa Dickson Wright did podcasts!

[@MsFifi11c]

John Reilly I know, the hair is a rammy

[@aliquidcow]

I remember that I didn't find anything particularly awkward about this one when I listened, so I was surprised when Rich kept referring back to it as being super awkward. Watching it again I still don't think it's as awkward as Rich makes out. I found the Danny Baker one more awkward towards the end if anything when he got a bit annoyed about being asked a 'blue' question. I think perhaps in this case it was Rich's perspective from being there in person and on stage?

[@alkapowportstar7808]

+aliquidcow i agree with you, it's an attempt to create a minor amount of controversy surrounding this podcast and therefore generate views, nothing wrong with that though.......or maybe i'm a cynic.

[@dragonkattz]

Richard has said there was a sizable chunk of the interview cut out before being uploaded to the web tho.

[@harrygoodwin1795]

17:14 classic Herring malfunction

[@johnreilly63]

actually, to be accurate, it looks like Nick Park has had a go at making a Russell Howard!

[@thebagelsproductions]

😂 absolutely tremendous 😂

[@bonnie43uk]

Love Stephens story about lager drinking teenagers and his garage in London at 28:02

[@glennrobinson8868]

Poor Stephen! 😂 He had the same problem on Norm Macdonald Live. It started about Savile!😂😂

[@maryhadfad]

I was hoping you'd ask about the alleged fall out between him and Ricky. After years and years, they barely acknowledge each other anymore. In fact, this podcast is the first I've seen one of them do so in ages.

[@revol148]

similar to Karl Pilkington - the three of them are probably sick of the sight of each other....

[@trevorfeelgood]

I love Richard but I can see why Stephen got annoyed. but Richard was only joking the whole time.

[@DeepPastry]

Richard lets the guests have edit rights; they can have things they said removed. That way if they feel they've went to far, or misspoke in a real egregious way, it won't make them look bad.

[@ChorltonOutlaw]

Weird that Ricky Gervais’ first guest on Meet Ricky Gervais was Jimmy Saville and Steve merchant worked on that show

[@jabt2023]

I think he is low key referencing that at the start

[@ThwompKid]

ha! Intro was wicked.

[@retcon1991]

I was expecting more anger. He seemed mildly annoyed as part of his constantly bitter persona but not sincerely angry. Was there a more pervasive sense that you'd seriously pissed him off backstage?

[@davehorgan4901]

I could feel that tension start to finish lol

[@dannycheesums]

I asked my work colleague the talcum powder breast vs time travelling finger question. He chose the finger, so he could go back in time and cheat at subbuteo

[@post1305]

“I look like what’s his name from Wallace and Grommet”. Have a guess Steve.

[@sirmoanalot3779]

What’s the things in Gremlins called?

[@thentheworld6152]

extras talk is at 1:01:00

[@MrBoBoTom]

This was a good one.

[@jpcdavies]

55.08 - Yeah, what was that guy from Wallace and Gromit called?

[@matteoj226]

This is funnier than a thousand Conans, Lettermans and Kimmel's combined. British humour is simply the funniest.

[@leowatkins1518]

You know just from the audio of this I got a sense that Steve was actually a bit hurt and/or annoyed by the Extras comments, but thankfully I think you can see that he took it quite well actually. It's pleasing to find out because I've always wondered about that.

[@lwaves]

+Leo Watkins I hadn't previously heard the audio so I was curious to see the bit you were on about. I agree, he did take it quite well and I think he understood the genuine part of Richard's critique of season 2. He also seemed to respect his opinion on it but also knew that he was somewhat joking. Judging from the audience reaction it didn't seem to go down too well, it wasn't funny IMO and I think that's why that part came off as awkward But that's comedy for you. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The rest of it was brilliant though and they bounced jokes and insults off each other excellently.

[@VonBlade]

I finally braved it after the most recent return. Not sure if they were both playing along or if the edit was really hatcheted, but it was okay. Not as bad as some guests have felt.

[@caseyrowe3402]

Very good work! Thank you for sharing. :D

[@MrSabbath2011]

Thanks Richard!

[@grahamwyatt7056]

Well I thought this was great. Don't really see the conflict, but maybe you need to release the edited out bits on some DVD extras. Both of you on proper excellent form.

[@djg71]

You were absolutely bang on right about series two of extras and I thought he took it with a brave face (maybe a little hurt).Thats only because of the respect you have Richard amongst younger comics .Keep up the brilliant podcasts, fuck tv!!

[@Sam-hk4qj]

Stephen had to listen to Ricky Gervais for 10 years he's way worse than what you're all claiming Rich is in this, trust me

[@RIXRADvidz]

Oh Gawd....well now Mr. Herring, we're going to be dated by our hair length....as I too recently slashed my locks and now sport a buzz cut with a brush top, where as you have neatened your flowing mane...but everyone will look back in time to when ''we had long hair''.....many appreciations for sharing the body of your works. Thanks for putting something Good on the wwweb.

[@GroverTmuldoon]

At 19.30 when he reads out "my first sex dream starred...." and then realised what he's just said !

[@lennybmillard7544]

short man syndroming-ell in this podcast! Stephen is quality.

[@rossmcl177]

How you see this really depends on what you know about it in advance. If you watch it with no prior knowledge of what's going to happen, you will think it is very awkward. But if you watch it because you've heard that it gets awkward and you're looking out for that, you will probably think 'what's all the fuss about. It wasn't awkward at all.' Its all about expectation. Personally, I think SM was quite annoyed, and a bit perplexed. Not to a huge extent, but enough to make it a bit tense.

[@OfficialFingazMC]

Lou Sanders!

[@mikemcgibney]

01:02:12 When Richard remembers Andy Milman's name, his look to Steve his adorable!

[@WellBasicallyClub]

24:28 eyes bulging with imagined riches

[@motorheadschwaby8087]

We've agreed to meet back at you

[@James-ju4gj]

Watching this always increases my appreciation of Steve, Rich is brutal in this one

[@speakatron5634]

He's a class act

[@kingkasper2725]

Fuck me! That sketch my mate did with Herring is at the start of this one that everyone is now watching because Buxton reminded everyone to watch it. Winner!

[@lawrencefinch-hatton6231]

This would have been so much funnier if they had been standing up all the way through.

[@joeshite]

Did richard have a rough day before doing this podcast or something?

[@oktal3700]

Is Helen cosplaying as Etta from _Dreamfall Chapters_? And to the one other person who is a fan of both Richard Herring and semi-obscure Norwegian adventure games: Hello!

[@_Missing287]

You should do the warm up for comedy vehicle

[@Herring1967]

+Reuben Wilde i would do, but Stew is too tight to pay anyone.

[@daved2352]

+Richard Herring Are you just saying that so he hears it and annoys him?

[@alkapowportstar7808]

+Alias Maurice it was a joke.............

[@alkapowportstar7808]

moorzymoores you obviously don't watch the full podcasts......and if you do have a problem with it fuck off else where,

[@alkapowportstar7808]

moorzymoores i don't think he's hilarious but he is occasionally pretty funny, i mean all you have to do is watch the short for "As it occurs to me." i thought that was so fucking unfunny that i was starting to think that that was the joke, like "im gonna make a sit-com thats so fucking shit and unfunny that it will be funny to me", Stu is definitely the funnier of the two.

[@edutuario]

its the french guy from tmwrnj

[@Studeb]

Poor Merchant, he had exactly the same reaction on Norm McDonalds podcast of why he was getting so much nastier questions than previous guests.

[@jabt2023]

People hate Ricky but can't really mess with him, so Steve ends up getting the kicking as the nice/approachable one of of the double act.

[@MrBoBoTom]

Seemed like they were just fucking about.

[@DaveDexterMusic]

@@jabt2023 they can't mess with him? is he dangerous?

[@jsquire5pa]

@@DaveDexterMusic no .. fairly obviously their career might be affected

[@tommygun0075]

Heard Richard talking about this on the Adam Buxton Podcast as though he'd really rattled him... Doesn't come across here at all, was more said afterwards?

[@swiftleigh9706]

why is he in the thumbail and not steve

[@movingtargets7833]

towards the end steve's offended but he handled it really well.

[@ursie1986]

9:28 is when the actual content starts.

[@bulletproofblouse]

Incorrect. The actual content starts at 0:00

[@Karrik478]

Pretty sure it all goes wrong around minute 35ish.

[@Chrisbernstein]

Steve didn't seem annoyed at all. It felt like legitimate criticism and felt like they both pushed it into Richard hating series 2 which he clearly didn't. Yeah all just fun an laughs. And if I was a successful as Steve merchant I honestly wouldn't bother if one person hated my critically acclaimed sitcom.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Yeah, it's bizarre that people seem to find this episode so controversial. These are British comedians; they have an incredibly self-esteem and basically make a career out of giving each other shit.

[@TransoceanicOutreach]

1:10:30 - Steve blinked when he said 'No...' which means he think's he is. And I agree.

[@bentaylor3989]

45:55 ahahahahahahah steve is a genius

[@justinbelshe]

I like motorcycling a great deal.

[@stevehunt914]

I'm not sure anyone finds Richard as funny as Richard? sorry, i don't mean to diminish his efforts,... but there's a level of smugness that seems unearned. Steve Merchant is perfect. - Witty, charming, respectful and engaging.

[@stevehunt914]

Bloody Hell Richard,... You need to establish a rapport with a guest before you mercilessly goad them, otherwise you just look like a prick, (like in this video). Also,.. im beyond grateful that Richard had nothing to do with 'Extras'.. Season 2 was JUST as good as season 1. - The 'Be careful what you wish for' angle was obvious and expertly illustrated. - Seems a bit like throwing rotten fruit at the Mona Lisa because YOU don't think she's 'pretty'. - Stephen Merchant deserved a LOT better than what you provided for him here. That was really difficult to watch.

[@post1305]

I don’t see what the problem is. He’s just dicking around. That’s what he does.

[@PH-pq3vq]

Yeah I don't get it. No mean feelings but I don't get his humour

[@simac3880]

@@PH-pq3vq Oh well... that's probably a good reason not to watch his interviews dummy... and yet here you are! Great to hear millennial's like you letting us all know that you 'don't get it'! Thanks for that important statement.

[@owencampbell8799]

Think he was starting to get cross. Herring was being an asshole at times.

[@retro1082]

It wasn't an unreasonable question. And surely the answer was: there was a story arc for series one, where Andy went from failure to success. Series two would either have to continue that trajectory or explain how it all fell through between seasons.

[@DisobedientSpaceWhale]

The atmosphere has turned rrratherr sour. But when are we going to see Patrick Marber as a guest....?

[@liamh5089]

All the comments saying they don't see anything awkward here. Rich admitted quite a lot was edited out of this video, so the most awkward parts were not left in.

[@Herring1967]

Not loads edited out. Just the most awkward bit.

[@liamh5089]

@@Herring1967 Ah ok. Did you ever reveal what that bit was? I'm going back over RHLSTPs during lockdown so thanks for all the good work you do!

[@charlottetaylor4471]

What was it?

[@DanielLecoqRooster]

"Hitler's Diary" should totally be a thing

[@karatefella]

I really liked Hello Ladies

[@Brendan-Black]

Me too. Hated the follow-up movie though.

[@Scot-Tube]

The Horror. The Horror.

[@scarftv7983]

Do you think they are you're actually friends or at least sort of friendly in real life? It seemed like it, but I'm not sure.

[@DrEko2012]

+ScarfFace I think Richard has implied they got along well until this podcast but since then Stephen hasn't been so keen on him :D

[@scarftv7983]

+DrEko2012 That sucks, wouldn't think Steven is such a bighead.

[@lwaves]

+ScarfFace They were joking. Note the smiley at the end of their comment. I'm sure they're still friendly in whatever capacity they know each other.

[@scarftv7983]

lwaves I very much want to believe it, I like them both a lot. It did seem alright, but you can never be sure.

[@rahulkemp6489]

+ScarfFace but herring has always hated Gervais (google some of the articles hes written on this) and i think this rubbed off on the interaction

[@gavinr]

@40m but there is an episode in the American office where they have a pub quiz

[@johnreilly63]

when did Russell Howard get funny all of a sudden?

[@billallen2126]

+John Reilly ha ha. he's stretching himself these days.

[@MrMamooshka]

Cavort!

[@fatcatsarefun]

Anyone else get the feeling that Herring is always pretty jealous of the guests he has on?

[@casanagatenerife]

24:44 amazing

[@cameronhurdus8407]

David Gilmour has let himself go

[@agee7777]

Richard awards dont mean shit, they dont make you happy or fullfilled, you are a very clever and funny man i just wish you were not so bitter.

[@Herring1967]

don't worry adam, i know that really. what you perceive as bitterness is nearly all for comic effect. I wouldnt swap places with anyone. what i have in my career and life is unbeatable

[@agee7777]

Thanks for your reply and im glad to hear that, realy enjoy your show, binge watching as we speak.

[@mikemcgibney]

It blows my mind that people think anything you say in this arena is serious! Hilarious storm in a teacup. Steve clearly loved this interview, and was on sparkling form. Great interview mate!

[@abegarfield7031]

@@mikemcgibney "Is this comedian joking?"

[@casanagatenerife]

5 gold runs? I wonder if Richard knows you have to answer loads of questions before

[@thesprawl2361]

I heard good things about this show from certain people who I have now cut out of my life.

[@forret]

I bet they are gutted

[@shadshowadradna]

Careful with those scissors.

[@bertrach]

I put off watching this one for ages because Richard said it was awkward, and that Stephen was offended, but it was all fine. I just think that sometimes it takes 'guests' a few seconds to realise that the horrible thing he's just said to them is a joke... Really, 'guests' should watch all of FOF and TMWRNJ (then some Comedy Vehicle, for a laugh) before they come on, so that they remember that Richard is just a very funny, well-meaning twat... :P

[@conornutt]

the way you reference comedy vehicle "for a laugh" is both true and sad to me. Whilst they may be brilliant in their own right ,the conversation between these two in comparison to the sparks that might fly if Stewart Lee interviewed Ricki Gervais in a similar atmosphere would be striking.

[@FlyLikeATachyon]

I had heard that this was some sort of disaster of an episode, but I didn't see any issue at all. Just some light-hearted ribbing between two pals. Don't know if this was before or after Merchant was on Norm Macdonald's podcast, but I would think after that he would be prepared for absolutely anything.

[@jabt2023]

Honestly this is the best interview I have heard from Steve and Rich clearly brings out his best and funniest side. Just a little too much ribbing and piss taking at the end. I guess Steve isnt used to it anymore now he doesnt have to spend 2 hours with Karl every Saturday

[@thewrongopinion7811]

What, precisely, is meant to be awkward about this? Ok, Herring offers his critique of season 2 of Extras, Merchant listens and responds, make a joke about it. Perhaps he was slightly disappointed because perhaps he respects Herring and his opinion. But Merchant wasn't a prima dona or anything.

[@thewrongopinion7811]

The only part was right at the end, and Merchant called it, he wasn't going to bad-mouth Gervais. It's obvious that Herring isn't a fan of the guy with whom Merchant made his name, and while Herring may respect Merchant, he doesn't respect Gervais. Obviously, Merchant isn't going to be a part of that

[@RacheleStrata]

WOW Dick is officially a troll XD

[@alfamonk]

Atila the Hun's let himself go

[@lordbrennanofsealand5772]

Out of your depth there Herring lol

[@gavinr]

SM deffo got angry and it was very uncomfortable to watch ar RH kept digging himself in to more holes. Bet he never does another chat with him .

[@MrTomDangerous]

I re-watched it now, I just don't get that from this at all. It's just a really funny episode of this podcast. I don't see Stephen Merchant getting actually angry at all.

[@elchasai]

pub quizzes are actually quite common in America

[@abegarfield7031]

Pubs aren't common there, so how can pub quizzes be popular. Quizzes aren't even popular over there.

[@Satanspeaks666]

8:37 talking of paedophiles

[@KackieJennedy]

After having been used to Gervais' awfully toxic nature Herring's sh*t just bounced off of Merchant. Not sure what's the drama about here.

[@Herring1967]

It really didn't. We had to cut some of it!

[@qwertyuiopdan1]

Have you spoken with him since this? Is he still miffed? The face he pulls at 1:10:45 is absolutely hilarious. Having recently re-listened to this I don't really understand why he's so uppity about it.