Playing a detective at a chaotic press conference

Richard Herring has been on the South Coast filming his role in the British independent comedy Zak The Ripper.

The comic and podcaster has shot scenes in Brighton and Newhaven, including one at a police press conference.

His detective character is seen bringing his packed lunch with him and holding up a picture of a wanted man upside-down. A banner behind him reads: ‘Maybrick Command, voted the UK’s third best police force one year on the trot.’

Herring said of the film: ‘There are so many brilliant independent filmmakers in the UK who deserve more attention than they are getting. Whilst Hollywood movies are homogenising, true creativity is coming from those with (much) smaller budgets, but much bigger imaginations.’

Zak The Ripper centres on Zak Harris, an unassuming man whose attempts to navigate life after divorce go spectacularly wrong when a date turns up dead and he becomes the prime suspect in a series of murders. As the bodies pile up and public scrutiny intensifies, Zak must uncover the truth and clear his name. 

Comic Sy Thomas plays Zak with fellow stand-ups Tiff Stevenson and Jack Skipper also in the cast.

The feature film is shooting across Sussex throughout September. It is written, directed and co-produced by Warren Dudley, screenwriter of football memoir The Bromley Boys.

Dudley said: ‘Comedy has always been my biggest passion, and after the success of The Bromley Boys, the chance to write and direct my own comedy movie feels incredibly exciting and a real privilege. Having Richard join the cast is very exciting as he’s a hero of mine from the golden years of 90s British comedy!'

No release date has yet been announced, but it is expected in mid-2027.

Last week, Chortle reported how Herring was stepping back from his RHLSTP podcast after nearly 15 years.

Published: 15 Sep 2026