Russell Howard’s Wonderbox

Podcasting royalty Richard Herring is here! Richard commits his dearest items to the Wonderbox; his stone cairn (with an incredible story about the fine line between art and insanity), his manky old ventriloquist’s doll and his purged bollock. You want a fascinating account of the last forty years of British comedy? It’s here. You want to hear which celebrity attacked Richard Herring when he was an 18 year old in Edinburgh? You got it. Alongside an incredibly poignant account of what it’s like when your doctor tells you you’re seriously ill. What a ride!   Richard Herring is one of British comedy’s most continually interesting and prolific performers. He is out on tour after a six-year hiatus. This tour is called ‘Can I Have My Ball Back’ and it will run until July 2024 and probably beyond. You can find out the tour dates, book the tickets and catch up with all of Richard’s borderline insane challenges and projects at www.richardherring.com.   OH! Also in case you were wondering, yeah, we’re back next week getting all up in the grill of another Wonderbox.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Laura Smyth is a comedian who is going stratospheric, quick. She’s a brilliant performer with a wicked turn of phrase who’s going to be on all the shows and in all the theatres before you know it.   Laura comes into the studio to fill her Wonderbox, and gives it both barrels. She talks about telling drunk lies to her kids and about the thrill of being given a secret gift from Stephen Fry.   Laura is on tour-a! She’s on her first full tour of the UK, in theatres and arts centres near you. It's called ‘Living My Best Life’ and it’s happening right now. Find out when Laura is near you and grab some tickets by going to laurasmyth.com.  That’s quite enough Wonderbox for one week. But there’s surely more next week. We’ll see you then. Take is easy, my friend.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Russell Kane joins Russell in an all-Russell Wonderbox. And it takes in so much; why English people have such trouble dancing with freedom, some serious advice on making home curry taste like takeaway curry and just so many fascinating little pockets of information and chatter in this one. A podcast that just keeps giving.   Russell Kane has just set out on his latest tour of the UK (and further afield). It’s called ‘Hyperactive’ and it’s a tour that is going everywhere with dates right up until the end of 2025. You can find out when he’s near you, and book tickets for a very funny night out by going to www.russellkane.co.uk.   Please be with us again next week for another Wonderbox, when there will only be a single Russell, which will mean I don’t have to refer to everyone by their full name when I’m writing these bits.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Stand-up comedian Fatiha El Ghorri is in the studio to talk Russell through her Wonderbox offerings, including ramadan, baby fat and birds in the wind. It’s a fascinating chat that covers Moroccan family life, and what it’s like being a female Muslim comedian in the UK. It's a lot of fun; Fatiha doesn't hold back.   Fatiha is currently working on her first novel ‘The Perks of my Hijab’ which is coming out in April 2025. It’s a YA book about a 13-year old growing up in the UK wearing her hijab, and it promises to be funny and uplifting. You can pre-order it from many good book websites, not just the big one named after a river.   You can check out the pre-release webpage on Simon & Schuster’s website (for they are the publishers) here.   Russell will be back with more Wonderbox next week. Until then have a lovely week, don’t rush, take it slow, enjoy yourself.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

It's Seann Walsh! One of the most naturally talented comics of his generation, Seann tells us about choosing his flat so that he could still get to QPR while hungover. He explains why Blink 182 mean so much to him. And he reveals some of the people who were most helpful after the grisly business of Strictly.  You want more Seann? You got it. He's touring his solo show 'Back from the Bed' around the UK now - tickets and dates are all at www.seannwalsh.com. Don't fanny about if you want to get those tickets cos they sell quickly. On Seann's website you can also see some of his older specials for free (they're great) and find his podcasts - 'What's Upset You Now' with Paul McCaffrey (another excellent comedian) and 'Oh My Dog' with Jack Dee. That should keep you going for Seann-related stuff for the time being.    For Russell's next live dates, keep your eyes on russell-howard.co.uk.   Also if you're reading this far I think it's safe to say that you're either a fan of the podcast or you're having a really, really tricky poo. Whichever it is, if you're able to give us a quick good review or spread the word, share the podcast with some people you think would like it - you know, all that stuff really helps and keeps the wheels on the rails.    Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Beloved voice of radio Shaun Keaveny is this week’s Wonderbox guest and he chooses some belters to box up for posterity. Shaun tells some amazing stories; about being backstage with Dave Grohl, about his own band ‘Mosque’, and Russell and Shaun share memories about being the least cool people at BBC Radio 6 Music.   Shaun has transitioned from radio to podcast with style. He now makes a radio show as a podcast: Shaun’s Daily Grind is on Global Player which you can find here (and I’m sure you can find it in other places too, right? That’s just how podcasts work innit)   For Russell's next live dates, keep your eyes on russell-howard.co.uk.   Peace out brethren. Until next week. Be safe, be seen.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

It’s Paul Chowdhry this week. The dead-pan British Asian comedy sensation sits down with Russell and selects some topics to chat about that vaguely might represent items for the Wonderbox if you look at them carefully in the right light. Paul tells a story about getting mugged whilst holding a gearstick, and Russell explains why acting up in school might actually be the best thing to do.   Paul is a busy guy with lots going on - his Pudcast is as popular as ever and has just started a new series, and he’ll be touring the UK very soon with a whole new live show. You can keep up to date with all of his exploits at his website right here.   For Russell's next live dates, keep your eyes on russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Russell and Jon are reunited from their time years ago hosting BBC Radio 6 Music shows together and as you might expect it’s a great episode. Jon and Russell disagree about the need to rehabilitate a happy old woman, Jon waxes lyrical about a wild-west themed pub. He then praises a man who threatened a crowd with a hand grenade. It’s a lot of fun and very much worth your time.   Jon is one of the patrons of The Children’s Hospital Charity, which works bloody hard raising money to provide better care and conditions for the kids at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. As far as causes go it’s about as good as it gets.They're currently trying to raise £2 million to build a new research and technology centre. Click the link up there to find out more and make a small donation. Please do.   For Russell's next live dates, keep your eyes on russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

James and Clair Buckley join Russell to preserve their best memories in the Wonderbox. It’s quite a ride. James explains why a man would need five barbecues. Clair explains why five barbecues is too many for anyone. The highlight is probably a story about saving Sonic the Hedgehog from a drugs gang. Sounds implausible but it’s true. Get in there.   James and Clair are prolific online. If you haven’t already come across their stuff then you aren’t on the internet in any way and won’t be reading this. Their podcast ‘In Sickness and in Health’ deals with all things marriage, and you can watch their regular vlogs about their lives on their YouTube Channel .   For Russell's next live dates, keep your eyes on russell-howard.co.uk.   That’s all. Hope you enjoy the podcast. See you next week!   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

One of the most iconic voices of the 21st century is with us - the inimitable Iain Stirling! He takes an hour off his busy Love Island voice-over schedule to fill his Wonderbox. Iain lifts the lid on what it’s like behind the scenes in Spain when Love Island is being filmed, he tells Russell about his surprising past as a lawyer (!?) and reveals who is the most reckless man in kid’s TV.   From March, Iain is taking his solo show on tour. It’s called ‘Relevant’ and it’s going everywhere in the UK. It will be great, because Iain is great. You should go. Find out where he is performing and buy tickets at https://www.iaindoesjokes.com/   Russell is still in Australia (give us a break guys, it’s a really massive country) making sure that everyone from the city dwelling urban socialites to the dust-covered country farmers get a chance to enjoy this year’s incredible live show. If you are in Australia and want the best evening out that money can buy, go go go. Get your tickets at russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

It’s the brilliant John Kearns filling his Wonderbox this week. John goes deep, educating Russell on the delights of being on your own scoffing a YumYum, and has the Wonderbox not only filled, but being held by football commentator Jonathan Pearce. You’ll have to listen to find out what it’s all about, and I recommend you do.   John is one of the greatest live stand-ups around, and his latest tour ‘The Varnishing Days’ is on sale now, and touring the UK until June. Get tickets, find out things, look at pictures, waggle your mouse at https://www.johnkearnscomedy.co.uk/tour   Russell’s World Tour is still surging around the globe. He’s in Australia right now so if you happen to be Australian, or indeed any nationality but living in that sunny land, then go to see the show. It will make you incredibly happy and make you feel good about being alive, which is cheap at any price. Get your tickets at russell-howard.co.uk.   See you next week.   Yours sincerely,   the Anonymous Blurb Scribe   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Hollywood star Jameela Jamil is in the studio with Russell this week selecting items from her life for the Wonderbox, and it’s a real treat. Jameela tells some truly exceptional stories, the highlights being when she was caught eating all the ice cream in a video shop, and an incredible story about bumping into Dustin Hoffman with five steaks between her legs. Unmissable stuff.   Jameela is the founder of the ‘I Weigh’ platform, designed to make people feel less shit about themselves and be free to express their ideas without being made to feel worthless. It helps all sorts of people from those with mental health issues to marginalised groups of all kinds. They do really good stuff and actually have had an impact on the world - they helped stop Facebook advertising dodgy diet pills to teenagers. That’s proper. Have a look and if you are inspired, send them a message and get involved.   If you haven’t caught Russell’s latest tour yet, what the hell is wrong with you? Buy a ticket to Australia and go to see him right away. He’s there now, you get your tickets at russell-howard.co.uk. Then in late Spring (early Summer? Who can say) he’s touring Europe. Dates and details on the self-same website.   I think that’s all for this week. TTFN.     Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

This week's Wonderbox belongs to Babatunde Aleshe, star of I'm a Celeb and Celebrity Gogglebox. Babatunde gives Russ some pointers on becoming a Grime MC, how to catch a fainting believer in church and tells Russell who he's stayed in touch with from the jungle (spoiler alert: it's not Matt Hancock). If you want more Babatunde then you're in luck, you can have more! He's taking his tour show 'Babahood' around the UK through February and into March. Find out more and book tickets by going to https://babatundealeshe.com/   Russell's currently in the land of the TimTam and the Vegemite. There are still a few tickets left for Russell's Australian dates. Check the schedule and get yours at russell-howard.co.uk. After Australia he's taking the show around Europe. Dates and tickets are on the same website there.      Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Fin Taylor takes time away from being a bloody good stand-up and internet sensation to sit down with Russell and whack his belongings into the Wonderbox.    Fin goes on a voyage of self-discovery, uncovering some very traditional tastes (don't worry that's not a euphemism for 'he discovers he's a racist'), followed by a fairly in-depth discussion on bumholes. It's all a lot of fun.   Fin's on tour NOW! He's touring the UK with his latest show 'Ask Your Mother!' and you can, and indeed should, get tickets by going to his website.   Also you'd be mad to not check out Fin vs The Internet. It's really very very good.    Russell has begun the Australia/New Zealand leg of his world tour, so if you're in America, tough titty. But if you're in Australia, good...titty? Then Europe is next. All of it. Nearly all of it.  Find out more and get tickets right now at russell-howard.co.uk.     Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

New York-based comedy star Mark Normand sits down with Russell to tell us what gets him going. Mark is an exceptional stand-up from out of New Orleans, called the 'best young up-and-coming comic' by none other than Jerry Seinfeld.    Mark opens spicy by talking Russell through a trip to a Berlin sex club, explains the majesty of skateboarding; the punches just keep coming. It's funny, it's very open, it's a great podcast.    You can watch Mark's self-released special on Youtube, 'OUT TO LUNCH', or you can listen to Mark's podcasts: We Might be Drunk and Tuesdays with Stories or you can search for his special 'Soup to Nuts' on Netflix. That should get you going. Then if you still want more after that fly to America and see him live. And if that's not enough you need to find his address and just stand outside his house. Then get yourself some help.   Russell is in Australia and New Zealand right now, and once he's dealt with the jetlag he'll be bringing his show to all the most majestic theatres in the land. After that, in late Spring, he's off to Europe. So you, yeah you, the Danish guy - I'm talking to you - you need to buy a ticket.  Get tickets right now at russell-howard.co.uk.     Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Roisin Conaty tells Russell about the things she loves the most in the world, and commits them to her Wonderbox.    Roisin tells us about having an existential crisis inside an inflatable doughnut, how a curry opened her eyes, and why as a child she got Pat Sharpe's haircut.    Roisin's sitcom GameFace is still available to watch on Channel 4's website.   Russell will be touring Australia and New Zealand very soon, and if you haven't already you can get tickets right now at russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Greg Davies and Russell sit down to discuss the most precious items in Greg's life. As you might expect from one of the world's greatest storytellers, it's an absolute cracker.    You'll get tales about when Greg pretended to die, when a tree spoke to him and Greg tells the story of why he started stand-up comedy in the first place. It's tremendous from start to finish.    Russell will be touring Australia and New Zealand very soon, so if you're intent on seeing the latest show and you live there, well you're in luck! If you live in the UK, you had more than enough opportunity and you've only got yourself to blame.  Antipodeans! Get tickets right now at russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Recorded in sunny Los Angeles, Russell sits down with one of Philadelphia's hottest stand-ups, Clint Coley.  Clint takes Russell through his extensive collection of rare music, Russell takes Clint on a tour of UK accents and they both get deep into a conversation about killer rats.    Clint has self-released his special on YouTube. This means you get to see it for free right now!  My Edible Kicked In (30 min Special)   What's that you say? You want to see Russell live but you live in Australia? Well strewth. Ain't this your lucky day? He's touring Oz and NZ this Spring. Find out where Russell is when, and get tickets right now at russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Rising comedy star Maddie Wiener and Russell meet up in New Yeawk and chat about what it's like on the comedy circuit over there. The conversation then takes an unexpected but hugely entertaining turn when Maddie chooses to put Wilbur the syphilitic rabbit into the Wonderbox. That springboards us into a chat about the pros and cons about dropping your guts in the Disneyland queue. A festive treat for all.    Maddie's got clips of her stand-up, some of her writing and all sorts on her website, https://www.maddiewiener.com/. Check it out.    Russell is touring the Antipodes in the Springtime! He'll be bouncing from one city to the next with his outstanding tour show. If you're humming and hawing, just get a ticket you won't regret it. It's truly a great show. Visit russell-howard.co.uk and just do it. Go on. DO IT!     Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Co-creator of The Chappelle Show and one of US comedy's most influential brains, Neal Brennan, sits down with Russell. Neal explains the vitality of human connection, ayahuasca and ice cream. It's a wild trip through consciousness expansion and which ice cream flavours kick most ass.    If you want to watch Neal's specials, get onto Netflix and search his name, and there they be.    Russell is off to Australia and New Zealand at the start of the new year, so if you live in that kinda neighbourhood then inbetween all the cricket and sunbathing, get y'selves some tickets at russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Man Like Mobeen creator, star and comedian of rare talent - it's Guz Khan. Guz and Russell come together for an electric episode of Wonderbox. It's got everything from putting your noo-nah in a VHS player, childhood quirks like wrapping trees in sellotape, and the episode ends with one of the funniest and most moving stories you'll hear in a long time.  After listening to this episode, y'all are gonna be like 'How can I get more Guz Khan in my ears?'. Well luckily for your hungry ears, he's touring right now. Oodles of dates in oodles of UK cities and towns. OODLES! Get over to https://guzkhanlive.co.uk/ to find out more and book those sweet tickets.    If you haven't yet seen Russell's latest tour show, then you really should. It's the best yet. Some tickets are available for the few dates remaining, but don't dick about.  Here they are... And if you live in Australia or New Zealand, well that's fortunate because Russell will be landing on your sunny shores in Spring. Check the website for more details... That's all for this week. Enjoy your hot nuts and mulled wine.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

US comedy megastar Iliza Sheslinger is in the studio! Russell and Iliza talk about the what happens when an audience member drops their guts during a show, a single fingerless glove and the beautiful stench of a closed bar.   Iliza is in the UK right now with her ‘Hard Feelings’ tour. She’s playing the Hammersmith Apollo on the 6th and 8th December, and you can buy those tickets right now from their website here.   If you live in another European country, check out Iliza’s website here to find out when the tour is coming to a city near you.   Russell has a few tickets left this year for his tour, and then he’s off to Australia and New Zealand, because it’s only fair that they get to enjoy the show too. Would those tickets also make good Christmas presents? Why yes they would. Here they are...   Happy days. Have a good week, don’t work too hard, and see you next week for another Wonderbox.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

This week, host of Late Night Mash Rachel Parris sits down with Russell to select her most precious items for the Wonderbox.  Russell finds out why the world is a better place because of tiny lederhosen, Tunnock's Teacakes and Rachel recalls her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to normalise British sex toys. Rachel will be taking a show back out across the UK in 2024 so keep your eyes peeled for that. Rachel's book, Advice from Strangers, is available now and it makes a terrific Christmas present actually. You could buy a copy from here. Russell's tour continues with dates in various UK cities over December and January. Would those tickets also make good Christmas presents? Why yes they would. Here they are... Thanks for listening and as always there will be more Wonderboxery for your ears next week. Bye!

Jack Whitehall takes a few minutes away from his brand new baby to chat to Russell about his most precious possessions. Jack tells the most insane story about Jamie Laing seeing his undercarriage, then explains what it's like to party with Man City the day after they've won the Champion's League. Sensational stuff.  Jack's on tour at the moment, and you can get your lovely fingers all over those tickets by going to https://www.jackwhitehall.com/   What's that you said? You like the podcast but you'd like to see Russell performing live? Well lucky you. He's on tour right now across the UK. Click this hyperlink to find out where, when and how: russell-howard.co.uk    Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

It's only John flippin' Oliver! One of Britain's most-loved exports after cheddar cheese and trains, John Oliver is the host of US late-night show Last Week Tonight as well as being a sensational stand-up comic in his own right.  John reveals what it's like to do a gig to one person, why Michael Bolton is a bona fide comedy hero and reveals when, how and why he likes dressing as a cat.   Russell is touring the UK right now with his latest live show, which is among the best work he's ever produced. Honestly, I'm not sure why you haven't been already. Get tickets right now at russell-howard.co.uk.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Ed Gamble is in the house! Ed chooses his most precious items to wang into the Wonderbox, which includes some food-based choices (as you might expect from one who foods as passionately as Ed). Come for the food, then stay for Ed waxing lyrical about his love of Mr Blobby.    Ed is touring next year, going hither and thither to some of the most delicious performance venues the UK can offer. If I wrote them all here it would take up a ridiculous amount of time and space, so for more information clicky clicky on the hyperlinky here: edgamble.co.uk   Ed's also got a book out just in time for Christmas, and if it's not a perfect present them I'm a giant toad with access to a keyboard (I'm not). It's called GLUTTON and you should consider buying it from an independent bookseller rather than Amazon. You'll feel better about yourself and delay the robot apocalypse by a few seconds.    Russell is currently hurtling up and down the country performing in theatres near you: if you're feeling saucy and fancy buying a ticket (why not treat yourself, you deserve it) get your sweet ass down to russell-howard.co.uk .   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Stand-up comedian and star of The Voice Jordan Gray joins Russell this week, selecting precious memories to put into the Wonderbox. Jordan explains why a marijuana seed has deep resonance, talks Russell through the agony of a kidney stone and Russell tells a heart-warming story about his brother showing his arse to a whole hot-air balloon full of people.    Jordan is on tour at the moment, and you can (and should) get tickets by visiting https://www.jordangraylive.co.uk/.   Russell is currently on tour in the US and UK: visit russell-howard.co.uk to find out more and book tickets.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

It's Jen Brister! Russell and Jen work through the perils of sad nipple syndrome, get nostalgic about the delightful stench of Bangkok and pore over the best food to eat if you're planning an evening of sexual gymnastics.    Jen is still touring her never-ending tour around the UK, and if you haven't seen the show yet you should. Tickets and dates can be found at jenbrister.co.uk   Russell is currently on tour in the US and UK: visit russell-howard.co.uk to find out more and book tickets.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Jimmy Carr joins Russell today to put his most treasured possessions into the Wonderbox. Jimmy explains the importance of a tennis scoreboard, why there’s nothing better than a perfectly made suit and Russell explores the idea of Jimmy having a hype-man at his gigs.   Jimmy currently has tour dates in the US and the UK, and you can buy tickets at jimmycarr.com.   Russell is currently on tour in the US and UK: visit russell-howard.co.uk to find out more and book tickets.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Sitting down with Russell today is Britain’s singing sensation Sam Ryder! Sam and Russell discuss Sam’s love of Formula One racing, Sam tries to get a whole branch of Zizzis into the Wonderbox, and he explains why a sheriff’s badge brings back the best memories of all. Russell is currently on tour in the US and UK: visit russell-howard.co.uk to find out more and book tickets.   Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

Today’s guest is internet comedy star, Munya Chawawa, who chats to Russell about why he loves Streets of Rage, the importance of a slice of pizza and reveals his jaw-dropping hidden ability.   Russell is currently on tour in the US and UK: visit russell-howard.co.uk to find out more and book tickets.   Munya is also on tour now and you can get tickets for his show at livenation.co.uk     Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music

A Wonderbox is a place where you keep little reminders of what makes life worth living. Each week Russell will chat to a special guest about what they’d keep in their Wonderbox, recounting the most memorable and funniest moments of their lives.