Russell Howard
Date Of Birth: 23/03/1980
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.
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Montreal Just For Laughs 2011: Russell Howard – The Time Is Now
One of the delights of Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival is seeing how British stars perform in front of audiences who don’t know who they are. Not only does it mean they can’t rely on crowd adulation – although the Canadians are famously polite – but the performances are necessarily more intimate. On his last UK tour, Russell Howard played Wembley Arena; here he’s playing to maybe 100 people in a cosy fringe theatre.
He brings his energy levels down accordingly. Starting from a relaxed perch on a barstool, there’s no sign of the puppydog enthusiasm that usually defines his delivery. He assures us that he’s a ‘giddy’ person, but there’s no immediate evidence of this
But he’s just skilfully playing the room he’s got, gradually becoming more animated in his voice as the audience warm to him, and begin to realise there’s more to this youthful 31-year-old than a generally upbeat outlook. Sure, his positivity shines through – he has the child-like ability to find happiness in simple pleasures – but the act goes beyond empty optimism, with snappy writing underpinning the engaging anecdotes, which are told with his inherently friendly Bristolian attitude.
read more of this review …
And, despite their cuddly wrapping, most tales have if not edge, then at least substance beyond the bland. He can talk about inappropriate behaviour during sex or while looking after his temporarily wheelchair-bound brother, and have something to say on the subject of bigotry (spoiler alert: he’s against it). But it’s all in the spirit of being playful, not overtly hard-hitting. As he’s the first to admit, alpha-male behaviour isn’t his forte.
It might be difficult to believe that someone can always be this uncynical, but if it’s a façade, Howard never lets its slip; and the happiness spreads almost tangibly through the room. He sometimes embarks on routines which largely pan out just as you might predict – on the phrase ‘who’s your daddy’ or the terrifying prospect of a pack of drunk and horny women – but it’s generally nicely done, and with just enough of a twist to surprise.
Although there’s nothing genre-bending about his comedy, Howard brings a refreshing delivery to his eloquently-told stories, which flow together beautifully and frequently contain a gem of a joke, such as his efficient dismissal of Justin Bieber’s lyrics or wittily elegant description of those who crush joy. And joy is what Howard is all about – both celebrating it, and spreading it.
Reviewed at the Just For Laughs Festival, Montreal
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Past Shows
Russell Howard: Skylarking Russell Howard: Wandering Russell Howard: Adventures Russell Howard: Dingledodies Ha Ha Hammersmith II
Latitude 2008
Pimm's Summerfest
Secret Policeman's Ball 2008 Britcom 2006
Comedy Showdown Russell Howard: Right Here, Right Now
Russell Howard: Big Rooms & Belly Laughs
Russell Howard: Wonderbox
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Older Comments
Helen French - 21/03/2011
A wonderful comedian. Remarkably funny. I saw him with my brother and boyfriend and we all fell in love a tiny bit. He's a little ray of sunshine.
George - 19/02/2011
An incredibly sharp, warm and funny guy. A sublime comic. More than obvious why he is selling out arenas. He deserves all the success he is having.
Darren, Liverpool - 17/02/2011
A triumphant return to the 'pool last night and a double dose of Bristolian delight in the form of a two-part set, the boyishy-man wizard stormed it! I've given up trying to convince 'discerning' comedy types now (everyone's a fuckin' critic nowadays!) looking around the Echo Arena last night at thousands and thousands of like minded Russellites and recalling the humble beginnings of the Unity theatre with its tiny crowd of around 40 people, just 4 short years ago told its own story. Russell, as ever, I salute your effervescence. This is the seventh time I have seen you live and 'Right Here Right Now' is as near as you get to flawless and the best show since 'Wandering', though every tour has been arguably as good as the other. Last night though was magic; it made me want to try stand-up. I'm going for a shit now, bye..
Emily - 17/02/2011
Extremely funny. One of the most naturally funny comedians around. Saw him live last night and was absolutely bowled away by the gags he came out with on the spot! Great gag about an angry scouse squirrel! and great scouse accent too! Love this guy!
Josie Russell - 15/02/2011
I am proud to be a fan of this man! He's cheered me up on unhappy days. I'm glad that there's a comedian out there who isn't afraid to say "I don't care what anyone else says, I love this planet!" Because that makes me feel good knowing that there are still optimists out there! And I also have to thank him and the people of Mock the Week for finally giving me a sense of humour. Before him, I used to take everything seriously and would always be shy around people. Now I'm an optimist, and I now have the confidence to be around people, and I've developed more friends over the years. And if you don't like his work- Just don't watch him! And don't waste a couple of minutes of your life complaining, because you have to realise that every comedian tries their hardest, and that there are people out there who like him. I mean, he's not actually doing anything BAD! He's just making people laugh! It is your opinion if you don't find him funny, and I respect that. But think of the remarks I've just said before you complain.
Michael Monkhouse - 07/11/2010
Finally got to see Russel's live show and I'm still reeling. I can't remember anyone as funny, fresh and natural since - um, Eddie Izzard, and I last saw him nearly 20 years ago! I can't do justice to Mr Howard in print, all I can say is go and catch him live. Stunning.
Comedy Lover! - 10/10/2010
My fave comedian by far
thetruthspeaker - 16/09/2010
Amazing. End of
omelette - 06/07/2010
Russell Howard is amazing
Philip Malone - 05/07/2010
His entire comedy act relies on making sex related jokes, saying the words penis, vagina, balls, cock, wank or other vulgar words... Then just adds a Bristol accent over it. Not funny.
Amy Angear - 07/03/2010
Russell just constantly cheers me up and takes my mind off anything that gets me down. Anyone who can do that is fantastic in my eyes! Defo my fave man right now!
Joe - 09/02/2010
All his 'comedy' consists of is 'I was on a train yesterday and I heard this guy say...', sex jokes and general unfunniness.
mj - 30/01/2010
I think Russell’s hilarious his stand ups amazing and all of his shows have some sort of new material which makes people laugh/
Darren & Carla, Liverpool - 17/12/2009
Russell Howard is not a man to rest on his laurels. In the last 3 years he has presented UK comedy fans with 4 new tours, each with 100% exclusive new material and on the evidence of last night, old radiator pants just keeps on getting better and better! Well done Russell, ignore the armchair pundits Stuart & John below, they are judging you by your TV appearances. If you really want to see the best of Russell Howard boys, stop being tight gits and fork out for the price of a ticket. Russell is one of the most inventive and animated performers of all our bright young things out there now, he does not do lazy! From the very humble beginnings of the Unity Theatre to larger venues such as the Echo Arena, I think it's fair to say Russell, Liverpool 'gets you'! All the best for Christmas & 2010.
Jay Gorman - 17/12/2009
Russell was amazing in Liverpool last night. had me in tears! Hope he comes back again soon!
Pete Miller - 16/12/2009
Saw Russ at Newcastle last night and it was absolutely brilliant! Steve Hall who supported was realy good aswell, had such a good night that me + the friend who saw him with me tried to get tickets for the Sheffield gig in a few days so we could see the bits we missed while laughing so hard!
Stuart - 03/11/2009
The man just wants to rant about his political views. Can't stand him. He's not a comedian, he's more of a political polemicist; a crap one at that.
John - 07/10/2009
The Chuckle brothers are funnier.
Alfred Bettle - 29/08/2009
He lacks wit, experience and intelligence. All his references seem to be school, his mum and his dad, oh and 'ball-bags'. But he's very good-looking. Really lush. Mmmmmm.
Cara - 11/08/2009
Russell Howard just has to be one of the best British comedians, although there are a couple of his jokes that don't really appeal to some adults, he is still and his mind is still wandering like a child, we are lucky to have such a young comedian with a mind as fresh and new as... well... you know. Just to see one of his gigs live would be a dream come true
Jax - 28/05/2009
Saw him at a cheapio warm up nite in Islington. For £5! Thought it must be a different bloke but it was not. It was Mock the Week Howard. Result! although he was testing out some material his delivery was personable charm itself. Some of the material doesn't bear close scrutiny but few comedians does, I think. For us comedy is more a shared joy, feeling a giddy moment of recognition and hilarity ripple across a crowd, spreading warmth and chuckles. Last night that is exactly what happened. Russell was a bit giddy but clearly focused and up for discussing pretty much anything in the Q & A section towards the end of his show. Great for us in the audience but possibly not so much fun if you are his brother or indeed his lady! Definitely reccommended and not just because it was a fiver. We have now booked £15 tickets to see his proper full length stand up show later in the year.
John - 22/05/2009
Saw him play to a packed Bloomsbury Theatre last night - simply superb. I was in pain I was laughing so much.
Rhia - 13/02/2009
Although i haven't seen him live – yet – Ii think he's pretty, amazing. I bought his DVD and I watch it often and no matter how many times I've seen it, I still laugh. He also has a great way of looking at life. He seems an intelligent sort of guy and deserves plenty of praise for his DVD and the shows he's done.
Darren - 10/01/2009
Frankie Boyle talented? Since when did being obscene become a talent? Please bare it in mind Alex Gold, MtW is a heavily edited show and you don't get to see half of what each of the panel come up with, unless your name is Frankie Boyle of course. You will never go to a Russell Howard gig and see the exact same material twice, the same however cannot be said for Mr Boyle who is still stewing out his 'classic' repertoire from 2006. Why don't you use some of your gold and go buy a ticket to see Russell live in June, then come back and say it's entertainment for the moronic. How ironic a sentence is that?!
Alex Gold. - 06/01/2009
The man is an idiot who ruins Mock the Week. Frankie will say something funny, because he is talented, then Russell will but in and ruin it, because he is untalented. When will he realise pulling a face and using a voice over and over again is really losing what little laughter it achieves. Russell Howard = entertainment for the moronic.
Darren & Carla, Liverpool - 04/12/2008
Russell brought down the house on a sold out Royal Court in Liverpool last night, a 5 star performance we kid you not! I think somebody has a massive grudge against him judging by the high level of negative messages there are littered throughout these comment pages, because poor, average or terrible this man is not! His ability to mix the cerebral with the stupendously silly, or his lightning quick improvisational ability should serve as an inspiration to any upcoming comedian looking for a masterclass on how best to do it. For the rest of us, it is an abdominal workout without the pain! Congratulations Russell, we gladly salute the brilliance of Dingledodies - come back soon!
Aaron - 30/11/2008
Saw him in Bradford Nov 29th. Great Show. Much better than I thought it was gonna be. Very very funny.
rob - 30/11/2008
So unfunny it's untrue. How he is making a living in comedy is a joke in itself
Anthony G - 23/11/2008
He is the biggest idiot in comedy right now. He's not funny and makes too much effort to try and be funny.
Louise - 13/11/2008
Saw him last night in Portsmouth. Although sound was rubbish he was superb. I was crying with laughter. I would recommend his show to anyone. He really knows how to look on the brighter side of life! Love it!
fan - 20/10/2008
Best ever. Frankie Boyle should give his mouth a rest. Russell is far better comes across as a really funny guy looking forward to seeing him live. He is the only reason to watch Mock The Week.
sidney - 14/10/2008
Saw Russell at Cambridge Corn Exchange recently. He (and support Steve Hall) were awesome. While his material is what you'd expect from his TV/radio work his live performance takes it up several levels. He has a kinetic energy to his performance and far more bite than you would expect. Seeing him in the same year as Jimmy Carr, Chris Rock & Sean Lock Russell definitely held his own with the heavyweights. Most importantly he seemed like he was GENUINELY pleased to be there (Gervais - take note). Can't wait for Frankie Boyle next month!
chinty - 08/10/2008
Not funny, childish and lacks any real wit.. should be replaced by Sean Lock or Michael Mcintyre who have been far better on Mock The Week
Darren Smith, Liverpool - 30/09/2008
Stop hating mother fu^%ers!
Chris F - 29/09/2008
I think you should give him a chance and see his show before judging him. He is a comedian for the younger generation so many of his jokes may possibily go over your head.
Mitch - 26/09/2008
Easily the worst person on Mock the week, I say person rather than comedian because he surely doesn't qualify. I think they just need to fill the seat - next to Franky Boyles quick wit and Hugh Dennis' voice overs he just gets blown into the weeds on Mock the week, he must know it too. Even Dara Ó Briain comes out with more funny answers than him... and he's the one asking the questions! Pitiful excuse for TV comic. Andy Parsons and the big black mumma are more funny than him, and they just rely on their stupid voices!
Josh Cowman - 23/09/2008
This guy is not at all funny. Please get a decent comedian to fill his boots on mock the week. Get Ed Byrne, he has actual wit whereas Howard just talks drivel.He is comically dwarfed by the genius that is Frankie Boyle.
kerry x x x - 20/09/2008
He is so funny, I love watching him on mock the week.
SDH - 12/09/2008
Is talking loudly and energetically what passes for comedy these days? Howard is massively out of his depth on Mock the Week and about as funny as stubbing your toe. His material is limited and mostly consists of thinking of two unconnected things and putting them together - hilarious! Someone like Frankie Boyle is a genuinely funny, witty and creative comedian and Howard pales into insignificance next to him.
howonearth - 11/09/2008
Ruins Mock The Week every time he opens his mouth and just ruins the show. For goodness sake, what is he doing on TV?
Phil D - 10/09/2008
I need to check out his show because I am truly fascinated how he has managed to get on the television. Mock the Week is a poor thick man's version of HIGNFY and he is easily the unfunniest person on what is a very average show. I'm so pleased to see like-minded comments on this site but astonished by those who label him a genius. I must admit it intrigues me.... is he actually just total dog pap on Mock the Week but pretty good live?
only young woman and newcomer to comedy will like - 07/09/2008
I've seen a lot of comedy. I always try to support new acts - but it remains a mystery why this guy hasn't been found out. I first saw this guy in a pub near the Colston Hall in Bristol in 2002. I saw him again and again in slots - I wanted to laugh. Alas, my penchant for secondary-school-juvenile humour died out with the passing of my A-levels. Weak subject matter masked with cartoonish Ainsley Harriot-esque hand gestures and inane loud twittering. I must have heard his "mother has a withered hand/short-person's material" to death. His brand of humour will appeal to young woman and newcomers to comedy. Shocking that he is classed in the Mock the Week team. A performer - most definitely; a comedian - he ain't.
joe - 07/09/2008
Russell just doesn't cut it for me, he cracks jokes which make me wonder, something like 'imagine walking down the street with the body of a cow and the head of a pig, wouldn't that be hilarious? people would be like wow!' then suddenly the audience cracks up with laughter and I'm sitting wondering 'what am I missing here?'
Offensive - 02/09/2008
Am I watching a different Russell Howard?! This guy is just not funny. At all. In fact, it actually offends me to see him on TV with real comedians like Frankie Boyle.
Ben - 21/08/2008
I'm looking forward to seeing him soon.In the meantime I can giggle at the comments of the people who purport not to "get" this kind of humour. Some of them are hilarious and must be some kind of ironic contribution by witty wordsmiths.
Richard - 11/08/2008
Perfect example of why student comedy clubs need to be regulated, to stop this kind of mediocre comedy infiltrating TV. I just don't understand how they can do it, they must have at somepoint watched some good comedy and realised that they simply are no good by comparison. Best suited to the smug Saturday afternoon Radio 2 slot, at best.
Not impressed - 23/07/2008
Personally, I think he just isn't funny. I also think he's a bit too young to be with people like Dara O'Briain and too young to joke about politics on a satirical level. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I just don't think he's that funny. He's mediocre. I remember on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, he saw a clip and commented "That's what you'd imagine Darth Vader's sperm to look like" and I was like... wtf? That killed it. How people find him funny is beyond me. I say go see a real comedian.
Amy - 25/04/2008
If you like Russell Howard, go and see Jon Richardson live too. They're both superb comics.
dave, wycombe - 01/04/2008
It's interesting that some people give him a kicking now that he's on TV. I have been watching him for years and he keeps getting better. He's 27 has hours of material behind him and can also be funny off the cuff. It's easy to see why people hate him: jealousy!
Bobs - 31/03/2008
He really isn't very good.... makes jokes about everyday events and things and retells them while stopping and making it seem like a joke. When you compare him to other comedians, he just sprouts rubbish about mediocre and mundane subjects.
garwboy - 15/03/2008
My friend who watches Mock the Week refers to him as 'The boggy eyed-one'. That one physical imperfection seems to be all the criticism that can be applied to Russell, seeing as he is an exceptional comic, incredible talent and all round nice guy. Saw him fill a vacant opening slot recently in order to try out new material, utterly blew the room apart. Phenomenal.
Deano - 13/03/2008
Saw Russell Howard last night at the Lowry in Salford. It was packed and he was seriously funny. My face was aching by the time he finished.
Ian - 04/03/2008
Just seen his Bloomsbury show on tape. He's just not funny. Juvenile stuff about swearing in front of your mum. Not funny. His mum swearing in a West Country accent. That's not funny. Actually he's about as funny as the Chuckle Brothers.
Unimpressed - 26/02/2008
Totally unfunny. worst (regular?) guest on Mock the Week. Sw clips of his stand-up on Youtube, the funniest jokes were old
Alice, Thorner, Leeds - 09/02/2008
Saw him play to a packed house in a village hall last night (weird but true). Absolutely first class performance from a first class comedian. Storming night
Peter - 02/02/2008
I think he's brilliant. Really funny.
Simon Peterborough - 11/12/2007
Oh how he made me laugh... its non stop full-on and you just don't know what he is going to say next, Lenny Henry he ain't! Brilliant
Chris - 04/12/2007
Absolute load of rubbish, ranting and raving like an idiot about nothing funny. If this fella thinks he can cover up the fact that he is not funny by just talking non-stop, then he will soon be yesterday's news. A poor mans' English Robin Williams, and highly unoriginal.
Duncan - 16/11/2007
Totally agree with Helen, seen him and Frankie Boyle recently Russell Howard was by far superior in every way. New material and a flow to his set. Would happily see again can't say the same for Boyle
Helen - 16/11/2007
Excellent show. His delivery and thought process is 100 mph which I suppose might lose some people, but I thought he was brilliant. Excellent audience interaction and a couple of "can't breathe" moments - and, best of all, not one single bit of material repeated from the stand up slot on Mock the Week - something which his colleague Frankie Boyle should take note of!
Lee Duress - 08/11/2007
The poor man's Daniel Kitson. I saw him at Bloomsbury a few weeks back and laughed about twice. Much is made of his childlike enthusiasm for little things and the manner in which he can imbibe so much passion into his inane stories but there really isn't anything particularly funny about what he does. The man is clearly a talented performer but I really do think he hardly stretches himself with such weak and lazy material.
Darren Smith - 16/10/2007
Russell Howard owns you! Owns your microwave! Owns your coat! He is the boyus wizardus comedy deluxe! We saw him at Liverpool Comedy Festival and at Edinburgh in August and we're off to catch up with his Adventures for the 3rd time at Salford on November 6, he is genuinely that good!
Adam Montgomery - 04/09/2007
Stunningly good.
Steven Triggs - 23/06/2007
Saw Russell perform his new show at the Liverpool comedy festival on Wednesday 20/6/07. I have never laughed so much, so often in my life. There maybe more technically gifted comics around, but there arent many funnier ones. Superb!
Angela Giblin - 05/04/2007
How can you not love this boy. Uses the same pop culture references I remember from my childhood without sounding like a talking head on "I Love Making Charts on Chanel 4" and has so much enjoyment and enthusiasm you can't help but get carried along, laughing until your lungs hurt. A brilliant comedian who makes a evening of stand up feel like a night out down the pub with your favourite, funniest mate. Brilliant.
Ian Powell - 07/03/2007
Go and see him now! (If you can get a ticket... this guy sells out places left, right and centre)
Becky - 06/12/2006
I've seen lots of comics and this boy is one of the best. Very funny. He clearly loves making people laugh and is a joy to watch.
ben - 03/12/2006
I cant help but feel that he is ripping of Daniel Kitson. Good, but doing what Kitson would be doing if he wanted fans.
Helena, Lincoln University - 15/11/2006
Russ is amazing, he makes me laugh and block out the bad. He is a ball of energy.
dangerous dave - 18/10/2006
Unbelievable. one of the best stand ups around at the moment. I see a few working in a comedy club, but he really is the cats whiskers.
Vanessa L - 16/10/2006
Saw Russell in Reading last night - he was compering but much funnier than the other acts. Absolutely brilliant.
Stewart Martin - 15/10/2006
I saw him at the Fringe in Edinburgh and I can testify that he more than deserved the nomination. Not only is he brilliant at picking out some of the most amusing points of his personal experience but he also enchants the room into a calm, warm atmosphere. I am hoping to be able to see him preform again one day.
Pete - 15/10/2006
Saw Russell last night in London - the man is an absolute genius...had us all aching with laughter. Utterly spontaneous and genuinely hilarious - hope he goes far.
Becca - 13/10/2006
Just saw Russell in Notts and he was the don. I haven't laughed so much in ages.
Theo Weedon - 11/10/2006
Saw him at Exeter - at the Phoenix - absolutely amazing, fucking hilarious. He inspires me
Wil Hodgson - 08/10/2006
Best pure stand up currently doing the circuit
Emilie - 28/09/2006
He was fantastic in Mock the Week
Aimee - 20/09/2006
Underneath the silliness and surrealism, this man is ruthlessly funny. Twenty minutes into his set I found myself laughing uncontrollably, and he didn't give the audience a chance to breathe right till the very end. I've been seeing his shows for some time now, and unbelievably he just keeps getting better.
Chris - 14/09/2006
Awesome! Seen this guy twice in Lancaster uni student union, the highest calibre of comedians are't exactly flocking to this grotty venue (spangly curtain a predictable mention) but Russell is the best I've seen there. On the comedy circuit I've seen lots of people repeat stuff, Russell is always creative and exotic and I've seen him talk about trips to Reading with his girlfriend, lose his girlfriend by the next year and then make it on Mock The Week. I'm pleased, he deserves it
Dan - 11/09/2006
Having seen Russell several times, and most recently today, I can say that he is growing from strength to strength. The nomination in Edinburgh this year has most definately added to his confidence. He is energetic in childish manner, enthused by everything and bursting to tell you all of his jokes as fast and as brilliantly as he can. His exuberance and energy passes from himself to his audience and creates a great atmosphere for the strange observational and fantastical humour he has
Mags - 24/08/2006
Saw him at The Pleasance in Edinburgh on 22nd, very very funny and would go again. He has the ability to improvise on a whim and still get back to the scripted gig when needed. Also loved the weird pop-culture references.
Sean Langer - 23/08/2006
Went to see Russell at the Edinburgh festival the other day and failed to see what all the hype was about. Although he did entertain, it was only in short spaces and felt that his section lacked fluidity. There's no doubt that Russell is a talanted comedian, but compared to some of the standard i have seen this week at the festival, he was nothing special
Katie Bonna - 18/08/2006
Have just returned from Edinburgh where we saw Russell twice, after seeing him compere Best of the Fest we ran straight to the Pleasance to book in for his show! The man is utterly fantastic, my cheeks and stomach ached with laughter after the first ten minutes. Pure, positive energy that is bloody bloody funny
Karen - 11/08/2006
I've seen Russell as an MC last year, and woukd agree with many contributors here that he outshone the other acts, including the wonderful Reginald D Hunter. Just seen him last night in his Edinburgh show 'Wandering' - bloody brilliant, along with Mark Watson best thing Ive seen
Scott - 08/08/2006
Saw him performing a small bit with Daniel Kitson's show...VERY funny and witty. Based on that to see his own show the next night. Some really great material but was a bit disappointed in comparison but still very good. I find the jumping around, super-hyper, Ross-Noble-like scatty approach pretty annoying so the fact that I enjoyed his act is a testament to some well thought out material. Overall a thumbs up but I suspect he's going to get better (to my tastes) as he gives in to his dark side and ditches the more bubbly friendly stuff.
Matt Maida - 08/08/2006
I think he is one of the funniest live comedians that i have ever seen. It isn´t groundbreaking but he is piss your pants funny and that is what i like about him. Listen up, Orny. They know their stuff a lot more than you! Get over yourself as soon as possible, and you'll be fine.You can have an ego, but control it for fucking sake
Christoph P - 24/07/2006
I saw him at Latitude Festival last week. Combined his funny stories with improvised material based on a person in the crowd wearing a silly hat. Hilarious.
Ella - 27/06/2006
This guy was a genius; he mixes the simple, head nodding in agreement comments with a totally out-there story/joke that was hysterical. Also no act, no character, just a very funny bloke on the stage. Will definitely see again
Becca - 16/05/2006
Superb MCing at Too2Much last Friday - managed to take hold of a crowd who were feeling let down by the other acts and were starting to get nasty, and got us back on side over and over again. Don't be fooled by the bumbling innocent shtick - this dude knows what he's doing.
Ed O'Meara - 11/04/2006
Russell is effortlessly superb. His comedy flows so easily, he is naturally funny without any trace of conceit or biterness, and his material is so clean and crisp, it could be performed at the UN. He even worked in an entirely improv sketch with an unsuspecting audience member. And he was only MCing! Quite wonderful
Daniel - 10/04/2006
Wow. just got back from a show where he outshone stewart lee and two others. Fantastic. More.
Becky - 25/03/2006
Just seen him on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, he was fantastic
Lee Moorhouse - 22/03/2006
He looks like a little kid but he is without doubt the funniest comic I've seen in some time. At Cabot Hall the other day he was hysterical, he made some bloke snort with laughter
Alek - 21/03/2006
Just seen him do Never Mind The Buzzcocks and he was fucking ace. Saw him three years ago in Edinburgh and the constant banter and spontaneity has definitely paid dividends.
Lizzie - 21/03/2006
Comic genius...very funny, lightning fast with a devilish dark undercurent.
Mark G - 15/03/2006
Saw him as a warm-up act for the BBC. He was brilliant. The last time I laughed that much was at Eddie Izzard at The Secret Policeman's Ball. He later went on to do quite well. The future is bright for Russell.
John Brinson - 05/03/2006
He had the whole club in tears, even the heckler, can't wait to see him make it big
Senko Black - 05/03/2006
Think he may have jst replaced Eddie Izzard in my favourite comdian contest.
Alicehil Walker - 14/02/2006
Absolutely brilliant in Radio 4's Banter... completely sparkles on stage & excellent improvisation. Highly recommended
Pete Hurst - 22/12/2005
He is very funny indeed. saw him recording Banter with Will Smith and Richard Herring and he more than held his own. Would recommend.
- 03/12/2005
The poor man's Daniel Kitson.
C Parker - 18/11/2005
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.
- 16/11/2005
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
Danny Brooker - 16/10/2005
One of the finest stand-ups I have ever seen.
Matt Price - 04/08/2005
A brilliant act, whose passion and enthusiasm for what he does never seems to fade. Russell now has an added and I suppose, more obvious, dark side which adds yet another layer to an already multi-talented comic.
Chris - 26/07/2005
Saw his 2005 preview last night in Wimbledon...surely a Perrier nomination will be given this year - he is on top form. A true comedian performing comedy at its very best.
Tim - 26/05/2005
I saw him at the Komedia on Friday and he was fanastic. He was compering but he was funnier than the other acts. Really great.
Seany - 26/05/2005
Just seen him preview at the Latchmere. Five people in altogether but he was captivating. the hour flew by. A brilliant young comic
Treen - 14/05/2005
If you closed your eyes you'd think it was Kitson without the lisp, stutter and jokes
Carl Hunton - 06/05/2005
Saw him perform to a difficult crowd in Auckland, and then to about twenty people in Farnborough. Both times he was excellent and my girlfriend and I laughed our f*cking heads off. His awkward family-related routines are superb.
Brilliant. I saw him on Saturday and I've never laughed so much in my life. Vikki Brymer 11.04.05
E Knaggs - 19/02/2005
Funniest guy I've seen. Absolutely f*cking fantastic
Matt B - 08/02/2005
Russell is the best new young comic in stand-up on the circuit, bar none. Wonderfully creative comedy with a West Country style
Steve - 18/01/2005
Very funny... amazing.
Mike Alderton - 13/01/2005
Genius is the wrong word. So is anything stronger than simply "funny". He's amusing and that's that. I saw him do a gig in Middlesbrough and thought he was a Daniel Kitson tribute act.
Jennie G - 01/01/2005
Bloody amazing. Every time I've seen him I was in pain laughing so much. Might have peed a lil too! Genius