One Rogue Reporter: Interview with Richard Peppiatt

By Londonist Last edited 136 months ago
One Rogue Reporter: Interview with Richard Peppiatt

Many people dream of quitting their jobs in a dramatic fashion that horribly humiliates their boss. Richard Peppiatt actually did it by publishing his resignation letter in The Guardian for all to see. He left his job in tabloid journalism and burned every bridge along the way.

It’s been over a year since he famously walked away from the Daily Star.

The very public turn of events left him penniless and unemployable as a hack. Luckily, his previous work writing for sitcoms came in handy.

Richard is in the spotlight once again and he’s not holding back. His standup comedy routine, One Rogue Reporter, has been critically acclaimed and is soon going national. Until then, Soho Theatre has extended his performance due to demand.

We sat down with the ‘Rogue Reporter’ recently.

Why should people come to the show?
It’s not just about journalism. It’s for anyone who likes to see people at the top get what they deserve. It’s about sticking it to the man. I use newspapers to challenge people to question the general power structure.

What made you decide to do standup?
I had nothing to lose and my agent told me I should do it. I decided to just go for it. If you’re going to do a show about tabloid journalism, now is the time. There is a real opportunity there.

What’s different about your act?
Your normal comedian wouldn’t want to do a show about tabloids, especially not if they’re famous. They’d never go to war with anybody that could get them more press. With me, I have nothing to lose. I’m far more dangerous.

Do you have any regrets?
I don’t really do regrets. The decisions you make shape you. Quitting my job was the best thing that happened to me. I went from having money to having nothing. I couldn’t even freelance; nobody wanted to touch me. That’s how I came up with the show: ‘How can I play up to the fact that I have no money whatsoever?’. I’ve never worked so hard in my life, but I love it. I’m really lucky.

You can catch Richard Peppiatt’s show on Tuesday 27 November and Wednesday 28 November at the Soho Theatre. Doors open at 9pm.

By Laura Kramer

Last Updated 27 November 2012