Raised by tired liars

From Right Here Right Now Live

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Bristol-born Russell Howard started comedy as a teenager, making the finals of Channel 4's So You Think Your Funny? competition in 1999 in only his fifth ever gig. Two year later, he was also a finalist in the BBC New Comedy Awards.

He made his Edinburgh debut in 2002, sharing an hour-long show with fellow stand-up Matt Blaize, and returned the following year as part of the long-running Comedy Zone showcase line-up. His first solo show was in 2004, and he has returned to the Fringe every year since. In 2006, his show Wandering was nominated for the if.comedy award – and he won the Chortle award for best compere.

In 2006, he joined BBC Two's topical panel game Mock the Week as a regilar panelist. He has also made appearances on Would I Lie To You?, Live At The Apollo, Law of the Playground and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

On radio, Howard has co-hosted Radio 2's comedy show Out to Lunch with Rob Deering and appeared on the Banter and Political Animal for Radio 4. From November 2006 to July 2008, heco-hosted a Sunday morning on BBC 6 Music with Jon Richardson as his sidekick.

Original Review:

There is something very child-like about the way he holds the world in wonder, finding joy in the smallest things. He spends his life pursuing those silly moments, whether it be in the arms of a lover or by witnessing the proud actions of a pensioner, then revels in spreading that positive mojo when he retells the tales.

That childishness extends to his language, too, as he drops immature, sometimes archaic phrases into his set, adding to his natural appeal. He may be a whirlwind of goodwill, but the impressive performance doesn’t mean he hasn’t a keen skill for writing as well, with every incident described with smart, funny observations and quirky turn of phrase.

He has a keen sense of pesky mischief, but it’s always benign, never malicious. Surely no one is naturally this upbeat, but he makes a convincing case, and it’s infectious.

Just because he’s performing with cheek and likeability doesn’t dampen the sharpness of his points, such as attack on the bigoted miseries wallowing in their fearful ‘what next..?’ view of Britain. It’s like being coshed with a piece of marshmallow-coated two-by-four. But if anyone doesn’t share Howard’s infectious joie de vivre, they thoroughly deserve to be mercilessly mocked.

Not all of his lively set may stand up to such cold scrutiny – but in the moment, such things don’t matter. You are simply swept along on a tide of goodwill, and can’t help but enjoy the ride.

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He had the whole club in tears, even the heckler, can't wait to see him make it big

John Brinson, March 2006

Think he may have jst replaced Eddie Izzard in my favourite comdian contest.

Senko Black, March 2006

Absolutely brilliant in Radio 4's Banter... completely sparkles on stage & excellent improvisation. Highly recommended

Alicehil Walker, February 2006

He is very funny indeed. saw him recording Banter with Will Smith and Richard Herring and he more than held his own. Would recommend.

Pete Hurst, December 2005

The poor man's Daniel Kitson.

[Anon], December 2005

Just saw him in Lancaster, and I was very impressed with his inane ability to conjure up anything in his mind. I would recommend his act to anyone.

C Parker, November 2005

Saw Russell's one man show in Sutton Coldfield and he was amazing, regaling us with stories for a good two hours. One of the best on the circuit, he's naturally funny and a very nice chap. Catch him at an Edinburgh late show

[Anon], November 2005

One of the finest stand-ups I have ever seen.

Danny Brooker, October 2005

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