Richard Herring - Hitler Moustache [DVD] [2010]

I went to see Stewart Lee and Richard Herring in Derby in the late 90's. This was on the back of their television programme This Morning With Richard Not Judy. The only real memory I have of the gig was that Richard had somehow acquired free tickets for a film called The Castle at the local cinema, for anyone in the crowd that wanted one. The show was hilarious and I thought they'd both go on to pack out stadiums. I forget about them for about 10 years. Following Stewart's TV programme, I was pleased to discover a back catalogue of his material existed on DVD (which are all excellent). Richard seemingly hadn't had anything committed to DVD, however with a bit of searching I found he had in fact done plenty independently released, all of which I purchased. Hitler Moustache is his first mainstream release.

There aren't enough superlatives that I can throw at this, and his previous releases, Someone Likes Yoghurt, Menage A Un, The Headmaster's Son and Oh **** I'm 40. Richard's lack of commercial releases and therefore mainstream success is perhaps epitomised by Hitler Moustache. The subject matter is obviously going to court contraversy and although it is quite clear what all of the points are he is conveying, I still wouldn't take it to my local Ethnicity and Diversity Board and say, Hey everyone, take this home and watch it, it's hilarious! Just for fear that someone wouldn't get it. Stewart Lee hit the nail on the head in his book, saying Richard has mad impulses to say the worst possible thing in any situation, and from somehow lacking the self-censorship facility that prevents most of us from acting on them.

As in his other DVD's, some of the 'Cut Out/Second Version' ad libbing stuff is equally as funny as the main material and well worth watching. I look forward to Richard's tour of his new material next year. I'll definately be in attendance. I might even heckle for the first time ever, just to see the consequences... erm, you idiot, Herring.

I went to see this show at the Edinburgh Stand back in March '10 and it was probably his finest work at the time. Filled with lots of hilarious anecdotes of what happens when wearing such a nose doormat. I brought two of my friends along for company who had never heard of him, and they left saying it was the best show they had ever seen, [aside] it probably wasn't. nyum nyum nyum *****

Another brilliant performance by one of the most under-rated British comedians. Thought provoking but perhaps more importantly hilarious as always.