One of Britain's top stand-ups, Richard Herring is trying something new with his Edinburgh show, The Headmaster's Son - it includes serious bits.

The Headmaster's Son is all about your schooldays. Why revisit them now?

I wanted to see if I could blame the way I've turned out on my dad being my headmaster: whether being under the suspicion of my peers has spilt through into my adult life.

Will your folks be offended by the show?

They've seen it already. It was rather odd to do it in front of them and it got a bit emotional. I think my mum always thought I'd had a happy childhood and really liked school, and the first half gives the impression I didn't. But I think I did, really.

Is this the dawn of a more heartfelt Herring?

The more shows I do, the more honest I'm being about who I am. Ten years ago the 'Richard Herring' character was an exaggeration of me at 18. I've been doing straight stand-up again for five years now and I'm moving on.

You blog and do a podcast. Are they the future of comedy?

The more I do things like that, the more I want to do everything on the internet, without having to get broadcasters involved. That's the frustrating thing about writing; having to get someone to commission you. Then they dip their oar in and ruin it.

Have you given up on TV?

I find it frustrating. I did a thing for ITV last year that went pretty well, then there was a debate about whether to do a series, and I think that's not going to happen now. I'd just like to be able to get on with stuff, but they're so reliant on fashions and fads.

Thu, Jul 31 to Aug 24, Underbelly, 56 Cowgate, Edinburgh, 7.30pm, £9.50 to £10.50, £8.50 to £9.50 concs, previews Thu and Fri £5. Tel: 0844 545 8252. www.underbelly.co.uk

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