Cheddar Valley Gazette article about Headmaster's Son
Like headteacher, like son
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A new comedy show by a former Kings of Wessex School student recounts what it was like to have his dad as headteacher.
Comedian Richard Herring has launched his show, The Headmaster's Son, in London – and his father Keith, who still lives in Cheddar, will see it in its final form for the first time in Bristol next month.
The former headteacher, now chairman of the Cheddar Young People's Millennium Trust, got a preview of the show when his son performed an early version of it in Wedmore.
"It was very much in its infancy and he was trying material out, but my wife and I do have complimentary tickets for Bristol," said Mr Herring.
"It seems to have gone quite well and has been selling out.
"In one bit he recalls how we forced him to go to school in uniform, with a blazer and a briefcase, and smart shoes instead of trainers. He was a right goody goody."
Richard always wanted to be a comedian, but after achieving good grades he went to Oxford University to read history.
"I bought him a 15-volume series which contained the complete English history, and he promised he would read a chapter a day," said Mr Herring.
"He's still only read one chapter to this day, I think."
Part of the show will also examine Richard's schoolyard rivalry with friend Steve Cheeke, who "came first in everything", according to Mr Herring.
He went on to become a comedian and is now a senior lecturer at Bristol University.
"In school they had balloon debates where someone would deliver a speech while pretending to be in a hot-air balloon, and whoever was worst was thrown out. I remember Steve Cheeke won that," said Mr Herring.
"Richard also wrote a school magazine, and sometimes something defamatory went in and an angry teacher would be in my office banging my desk with his fist demanding something was done."
The Headmaster's Son appears at the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol, on March 8 at 8pm. Tickets cost £13.
The show is also at the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton, on March 9 at 8pm. Tickets cost £14.
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