Richard Herring: The Best at The Lowry Manchester Review
Reviewed by Catherine Martin
Seeing Richard Herring at The Lowry Theatre on Sunday was our first night out alone together since our daughter was born 16 months ago, and what better way to relax and have some real belly laughs than with the genius comedy ramblings of a man for whom parenthood is also a new experience.
Herring’s armchair philosophy and brutally honest commentary on a range of subjects from parenthood to organised religion provide the audience with 90 minutes of pure joy. Watching him shift from one subject to another with ease (and, in perfect juxtaposition, apologising clumsily when he’s lacking an appropriate segway) is as fascinating as it is funny. His quick brain and somewhat bizarre outlook on life make for some pretty amusing and at times incredibly edgy philosophies.
I should point out here, if you’re easily offended or you don’t enjoy foul language, this probably isn’t the show for you, but if swearing and a bit of near-the-knuckle social commentary don’t offend you, you will enjoy sitting back and watching a genius at work. The section on religion is clever and hilarious. This is a man who clearly lies awake at night letting his brain run and run. If you’ve ever listened to his podcasts, you’ll enjoy this show.
The show is a “Best Of”. A collection of his favourite parts from his previous tours. Don’t let this put you off if you’ve seen him before though, there are some new takes on his material and it’s mesmerising and fast paced. His boundless energy meant the 90 minute set passed really quickly, and left us wanting more.
After the show, Richard can be found standing in the foyer behind a folding table, selling DVDs and badges, signing programmes and posing for photos. What a guy!
The theatre itself (The Quays Theatre) is intimate, although larger than some, and there appeared not to be any restricted views. It was cold though, especially after the interval, and I wasn’t the only person in the audience who sat through the remainder of the show with a coat draped over my legs. The Quays bar has lovely views out to the bridge and the BBC. It’s a relaxing place to sit with a drink and watch the colour-changing lights reflecting on the water.
Lowry staff, many of them volunteers, were as polite and as helpful as ever. All in all a lovely night and a great venue.
Rating: 4.5/5
Richard Herring is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.richardherring.com.
For other shows at The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
