Comedian - Richard Spalding - Comedy in Your Eye
- comedyinyoureye
- Aug 15
- 3 min read

Comedian - Richard Spalding - Comedy: The Mild-Mannered Master of the Immaculately Crafted Joke
An Introduction to a Comic You Need to Know
In a world of loud and boisterous comedy, Rich Spalding stands out for his quiet brilliance. This award-winning, mild-mannered comedian from the Midlands is one of the best and brightest acts breaking onto the UK circuit. With immaculately crafted material, impeccable timing, and a razor-sharp wit, he is a comedian who proves that you do not have to shout to be heard. As fellow comic Eshaan Akbar puts it simply, he is "my favourite comedian".
The Journey to the Stage
Rich Spalding was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, and studied at the University of Birmingham before making his home in Hackney, East London. By day, he works as a copywriter, a profession that has undoubtedly honed his skills for precise language and clever wordplay, which are hallmarks of his stand-up. He brings a polite and understated persona to the stage, which serves as the perfect cover for his brilliantly constructed and often unexpected jokes. He is also the co-host of the popular podcast Our Dads Died with Tom Gerken, a show that bravely finds humour in the face of grief and loss.
The Anatomy of a Joke: Style and Substance
Rich's comedy is defined by its intelligence and craftsmanship. He is, as Chortle notes, "a very useful joke writer with an assured, club-ready confidence that already feels like a safe pair of hands". His material is meticulously put together, and his delivery is timed to perfection, ensuring that every punchline lands with maximum impact. Tom Ward describes his style as "razor sharp, understated brilliance". He tackles big themes like fear, boredom, legacy, and regret, but always with a light touch and a focus on finding the funny in the universal experience of life and death. The sophisticated and expertly delivered material ensures that an evening with Richard Spalding is a rewarding and hilarious experience.
A Trophy Cabinet of Triumphs
Rich Spalding's talent has been consistently recognised by the comedy industry. In 2022, he won the prestigious Panel Prize at the Beat the Frog World Series in Manchester, a major accolade for any emerging comedian. He was also the runner-up in the Get Up, Stand Up competition in 2018 and a finalist for the Birmingham Comedy Festival's Breaking Talent Award in 2024. His work has been selected as "Pick of the Fringe" by both Edinburgh Live and Glamour Magazine, and he has provided tour support for the acclaimed comedian Eshaan Akbar. His writing skills have also been showcased on the national stage, having written for BBC Radio 4's flagship topical comedy show, Newsjack.
Beyond the Spotlight: Digital Dominance and Other Ventures
Beyond his stand-up, Rich is the co-host of the poignant and funny podcast Our Dads Died. The podcast, created with fellow comedian Tom Gerken, laughs in the face of death and tackles the difficult subject of parental loss with humour and honesty. It has found a dedicated audience by discussing all the things you do not normally hear about dying, from what not to say to someone who is grieving to dead relatives popping up in your dreams. This venture showcases another side of Rich's talent—his ability to handle sensitive subjects with empathy, warmth, and, of course, brilliant comedy.
A Comic in Your Eye
Rich Spalding is a comedian's comedian—a master craftsman of the joke, whose understated delivery and polite demeanour hide a brilliantly sharp and witty mind. He is one of the most respected and rapidly ascending acts on the UK circuit, with a host of awards and critical acclaim to his name. To watch him perform is to appreciate the art of stand-up at its finest. Comedy in Your Eye is thrilled to feature a performer with such impeccable skill and understated brilliance.
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