Can I Have My Ball Back? Explores the Comedian’s Experience of Testicular Cancer
Richard Herring, a stalwart of the British comedy scene, is set to return to stand-up comedy after a six-year hiatus with his new show, “Can I Have My Ball Back?” will bring Herring to Swindon in June.
In 2021, Herring visited his GP due to concerns about his enlarging right testicle. This visit led to the diagnosis of testicular cancer, and within a month, he was in hospital, awaiting the removal of his afflicted testicle. For a comedian known for his humorous takes on male anatomy in shows like “Talking Cock” and his writings on toxic masculinity, this diagnosis felt particularly ironic. In “Can I Have My Ball Back?”, Herring addresses this chapter of his life with his trademark wit, pondering if a preserved gonad in a jar is a suitable prize for “Taskmaster”.
Herring’s career extends beyond stand-up comedy. Known as the “Podfather” (The Guardian), “King of the Internet” (Time Out), and “The UK’s online comedy pioneer” (The Times), Herring’s RHLSTP podcast features candid conversations with comedy and entertainment stars. With guests such as Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, and Katherine Ryan, RHLSTP has garnered significant acclaim, earning four Chortle Internet Comedy Awards and a Sony Best Comedy Award.
Alongside his podcasting success, Herring has a storied history in television and radio. As part of the comedy duo Lee & Herring, he co-created and starred in shows like “Lionel Nimrod’s Inexplicable World” and “Fist of Fun”. He also wrote 37 episodes of the sitcom “Time Gentlemen Please” with Al Murray. Herring’s individual projects include “Richard Herring’s Objective” on BBC Radio 4 and the comedy drama “You Can Choose Your Friends” on ITV1.
Herring’s accolades include winning series 10 of “Taskmaster” and the “Taskmaster Champion of Champions” title. He has also claimed victories on “House of Games Champion of Champions” and “Pointless”.
With ten published books to his name, including “Can I Have My Ball Back?” and “The Problem with Men: When is it International Men’s Day?”, Herring continues to be a prolific writer.
Richard Herring’s much-anticipated return to the stage promises to be an engaging and insightful exploration of his personal journey through testicular cancer, blended with his inimitable comedic style.
Richard Herring – Can I Have My Ball Back? takes place at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday June 26th with tickets still available here.
