It's a weird thing, having a double act - I think Stew puts more energy into his solo stuff than I do, and tries to establish his independence more.

In this quote, Richard Herring reflects on the dynamics of being part of a double act in comedy, specifically with his partner Stew. Herring observes that Stew seems to put more energy into his solo projects and works harder at establishing his independence in the comedic world. The statement suggests that while both comedians work together as a team, Stew’s approach seems to focus on individuality and carving out a separate identity for himself, which contrasts with Herring’s approach.

Herring’s comment about Stew trying to establish more independence highlights the tension that can arise in a collaborative partnership, especially in creative fields like comedy. While the duo works together as a team, Herring recognizes that having a double act sometimes means balancing the needs of the partnership with the desire for personal growth and autonomy. It speaks to the struggle of maintaining individuality while also being part of a collaborative act that requires shared efforts and mutual identity.

The origin of this quote comes from Herring’s reflections on his own career in the comedy world, especially in the context of his long-running partnership with Stewart Lee. Their double act, known as Lee and Herring, was a significant part of both their careers, but over time, both performers pursued separate solo endeavors. Herring’s insight into Stew’s approach to solo work and independence reveals the challenges they faced in balancing the creative demands of their partnership with personal artistic freedom.

In essence, Herring’s quote highlights the push and pull between working as part of a team and the desire for personal independence in the world of creative partnerships. It reflects the complexities of finding one’s voice within a duo while also striving to establish an individual identity and autonomy.