"I’d recommend Ventnor Fringe to anyone," said comic Richard Herring, who performed a work-in-progress stand up show, in front of a sold-out crowd.

One half of 1990s outspoken comedy duo Lee and Herring, he spoke to the Isle of Wight County Press ahead of his appearance.

As Richard’s wife, Catie Wilkins, was also performing, a work trip turned into a family holiday. 

"We saw Godshill Model Village and thought we should have a look. It’s quite big isn’t it? It has a model village which has a model village which has a model village. I was impressed with that!"

Isle of Wight County Press: The Nest stage at Ventnor Fringe.The Nest stage at Ventnor Fringe. (Image: IWCP.)

The family also visited Tapnell Farm, Godshill’s The Taverners and snuck in a cinema trip to watch hit-movie, Barbie!

Richard’s Ventnor show was a practice run for new jokes and a show that could tour the country next year.

Can I Have My Ball Back? is based on Richard’s own experiences.

Last year, he lost a testicle to cancer.

"The show is funnier than it sounds," Richard said. 

"There’s a little message behind [the comedy] to keep looking after yourself.

"This is about the ninth time I have done this material.

"Maybe I will tour this show in the summer if it comes together - which it seems to be."

It was a last-minute decision to perform at Ventnor Fringe, Richard revealed, so he was glad his show sold out so quickly.

"In a place you don’t come to very often you never know how it will sell."

So will Richard be back on the Isle of Wight any time soon?

He did have one promise for if he brings his show back to the Island.

He said if we do come back, we will aim for a bigger venue.

As for his thoughts on who should be at the Fringe in 2024, Richard said: "I love James Acaster.

"Joe Lycett’s last show was fantastic - I don’t know if he has been down here before?"

He hasn't. Here's hoping.