By Kerry.Ashdown | Posted: April 04, 2017
So far, so macho. But the image is immediately burst– or gently let down – like a balloon when Herring announces the show is "the least worst stuff" from his 12 one man shows. Further coolness dissipates as he admits he's not sure if his attire – a stripy top with mismatched lines down one side – is considered stylish or not.
He can be forgiven. A lot has change in the past decade and a half for Herring. He has gone from a 30-something living the single life to being a married dad, approaching his half century later this year.
But if that makes you fear the worst – a middle aged mellowing – fear not! This latest show, a greatest hits compilation if you will, has lost none of its edge, naughtiness or – most importantly humour.
Bodily functions sit side by side with sky potatoes. And a very detailed and practical breakdown of the future perils of spontaneous romantic gestures – in this case buying a Ferrero Rocher for a special someone and vowing to buy two the following year, four the year after and so on – goes from the ridiculous to the sublime.
Mixing together the highlights of 12 separate shows may interrupt flow at times – even Herring admits there is the odd awkward gear grind. But for the Herring newbie it's a great introduction to his work - and for the more experienced show-goer there are ample opportunities to get re-aquainted with gems of old.