Matt Richardson

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 27th September 2022

One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate.

This week's main attraction is Matt Richardson, who headlines at the pleasingly-popular new Hertford Comedy Club on October 20th. It may be held at the grand old Corn Exchange - steeped in history and recently relaunched - but there's no corny business here as a hearty crop of comics are lined up. Also bending your ears will be Travis Jay, Lily Phillips and Patrick Monahan, so don't be a flake and do pop your head in (right, that must be all the corn puns. Sweet).

Richardson will be familiar to many from his drive-time radio shows, prime-time presenting roles and Dancing On Ice, but stand-up is his first love. So for this headline gig, will he have routines all prepared or see how it goes?

"I've got a set in mind," he says, "I've been back in the clubs after my last tour and I'm enjoying stand-up more than I ever have. So I'll be sticking to the formula that's been working."

And beyond?

"For the rest of the autumn I'm crazy busy with live shows," he says, "and a couple of TV things I can't talk about!"

In a field of his own. Matt Richardson, your Random 8 await:

Who was your first celebrity crush (and ever met them)?

I had a weird obsession for about six months, at the age of 12, with Jamie-Lynn Spears. For those who don't know her she was Britney's younger sister. Far more age-appropriate for me at 12 than any others. To the point where I set up my first Hotmail at the time and it had the letters JLS in it, and I STILL USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS.

Ever gatecrashed anything interesting?

2015, I gatecrashed the Weinstein Company's BAFTA Film Party wearing a fur coat pretending my dad was a Russian Oligarch. Only as I type this story out now do I realise how badly it's aged in today's post-MeToo and geopolitical landscape. I only lasted about four minutes before I was thrown out.

Do you have a favourite shop, past or present?

I love, love Ikea. I used to hate going to Ikea as a child, but now it's a real afternoon out for me. I go for lunch, then go around slowly taking in tips from each and every little fake room. The reason for this is I've just moved, so it may change once the house is sorted.

When I was younger I had favourite clothes shops, but now I only buy clothes that will wash well several times without losing their shape.

Your greatest sporting moment?

I was the second fastest person in my year, and the least sporty. I always had a cracking sports day in the 100m as the perky underdog who did quite well.

Do you have a good hangover cure?

No. I wish I did. Ever since the pandemic my hangovers have gotten really, really bad. I now spend most of the next day with my head down the toilet contemplating cancelling my gig that evening. I never do cancel, because I'm a professional, so I just sweat the hangover out in my car, pull over on the M1 to throw-up and promise to never drink again.

What's the worst thing in your wardrobe?

I have a very minimalist wardrobe - jeans and black t-shirts for gigs and working, so it's fairly inoffensive. I've got a flowery suit that really divides opinion, but I love it.

Ever met a surprisingly great or awful famous person?

Holly Willoughby yelled at me once for making a joke on a panel show about a friend of hers, three years after it happened. But me revealing that is hardly going to be the PR headache of 2022 for her.

Meeting famous people when you do a TV record (even though the types of stuff I do really push the limits of the word 'famous') isn't so exciting now, I much prefer seeing them in the wild. For example, Louis Theroux stopped to let me across the road only yesterday on his bicycle, I was genuinely very excited and did a really sad little wave at him.

What's the greatest invention, ever?

VERY good question. Being able to pay £5 to fast-track any airport security queue. What a life changer.