Richard Sandling
Richard Sandling is a British comedian, film reviewer, presenter, writer, director, actor and musician from South Benfleet.[1] He won So You Think You're Funny in 2007.,.[2][3]although he is best known for appearing alongside American comedians Callum Rose and Joseph Dale on ITV 1's sitcom Laff Riot.
Richard Sandling | |
---|---|
Medium | Stand-up, television, film |
Years active | 2006–present |
Genres | Cringe comedy, Observational comedy |
Subject(s) | Everyday life, Facts |
Notable works and roles | So You Think You're Funny, Laff Riot as Mike Gaygan, Rainbow as Apple, Greedy as Rich, Thrills & Spills |
Career
Early career
Sandling has said that he sought a career in comedy, and has performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe a number of times, both as a solo act and as part of duo with Stuart Goldsmith.[4][5] He is also the alter ego of Spak Whitman[6][7] and has performed comedy all over the UK as well as America and Canada
Sandling runs Perfect Movie[8] in London, a stand up and sketch comedy night all about films featuring recreations of top comedians.[9] He also occasionally runs the Squat Betty comedy night in Southend.[10]
Work with Callum Rose and Joseph Dale
Laff Riot
In February 2013, American comedian Callum Rose had offered his (and Joseph Dale's) script for a TV series entitled Cheeky Bastard. The series was given the green light a fortnight later, and the duo set to work writing and planning the show. Despite this, however, Rose and Dale were faced with a problem - they would need another comedian/actor to play supporting characters that they would face in several episodes. Whilst searching the internet for relatively unknown performers, Rose happened to notice Sandling's name and was impressed by his resume. Sandling was informed by Rose, his comedy idol, that he wanted to see him as soon as possible so that he could get together with him. During their first meeting, Sandling performed several scenes of the first episode, "Customer Service", with the two Americans, and was told he would receive the job pending on successful screen tests. He was picked as a cast member on April 21, 2013, and recalled nearly passing out when he heard the news.
His first character on the show was as an Indian criminal known as "Four-Three-Senses". From then on, he would continue to appear as supporting characters, such as cashiers, radio presenters and, at times, members of Rose's family. Sandling's child, Harry, has appeared on Laff Riot on a few occasions, playing many children on the show. Despite spending three years on the show, Rose still calls Sandling "the new guy".
Rainbow
Sandling plays Lee "Apple" Adams in Callum Rose's new show Rainbow, the first sitcom to focus on gay relationships. Rose writes the show, as well as starring in it as Paul "Shinny" Styles. The show will premiere in late-2017 on ITV2.
Greedy
Sandling also performs with Joseph Dale in Dale's sitcom Greedy, which debuted in September 2014.
Thrills & Spills
Sandling is seen by many critics (including Rose himself) as Rose's successor on the latter's late-night talk show Thrills & Spills. During times when Rose is unavailable, Sandling assumes the role of host.
Further career
He was the Myspace.com/comedy film reviewer for a time and is featured in the documentary The People vs. George Lucas.[11] He can also be seen in Peep Show series 7, Trinny & Susannah: From Boom to Bust and Miranda series 2.
He is a regular performer at Robin Ince's Book Club and School for Gifted Children shows in London and at Latitude Festival and in 2008 was part of the Montreal Just For Laughs Britcom Show.
Personal life
A collector of VHS tapes, Richard has performed three Edinburgh shows about his passion for VHS.[12]
He is a lifelong member of Waterside Farm Leisure Centre's Fitness Suite, and holds the facility's all time Bench Press record.
References
- ↑ Sandling
- ↑ Richard Sandling on Chortle
- ↑ Interviewed at Edinburgh just before winning So You Think You're Funny
- ↑ Kiosk of Champions
- ↑ Spotlight on Richard Sandling
- ↑ Spak Whitman
- ↑ More Spak Whitman
- ↑ Perfect Movie
- ↑ favourite scenes
- ↑ BBC Essex Feature on Squat Betty
- ↑ The People vs. George Lucas
- ↑ Sandling Argues for VHS
External links
- Official site
- Don't Ever Heckle Richard Sandling - Londonist
- Article on British Sex Comedies for Erotic Review