Howzat? 3.8 / 6

Let’s be honest, if you’re listening to this podcast, you’re primarily listening for Russell Howard’s wry comedic take on the world. And, indeed, within the first minute of this episode, Howard and his guest – fellow British comedian and football enthusiast Maisie Adam – start joking about how children running in the water fountains outside the studio could attract paedophiles. Sure, it’s not Proust, but that won’t be a surprise to any subscribers. They’re here for the #bants. 

Russell Howard’s Wonderbox, therefore, is a classic “vehicle” for Howard’s ADHD-inspired personality and an excuse to talk to all of his celebrity, funny-boned friends. We’re used to seeing his rident smile on the TV and for the most part his schtick works best when faced with a cantankerous counterweight [read: his BBC 6 Music radio show from yesteryear featuring Jon Richardson]. Adam isn’t moody but does at least encourage some sense out the millions of threads to come out of their conversation.

So then, how does this compare to his dalliances from the past? 

The official precis of Wonderbox tells us this:

A Wonderbox is a place where you keep little reminders of what makes life worth living. Each week Russell will chat to a special guest about what they’d keep in their Wonderbox, recounting the most memorable and funniest moments of their lives. 

Cute but it’s largely misdirection because it’s not as serious as all that. The format provides a medium-slow delivery for Howard to hit to the boundary with regular zingers; messing around the edges; playing with language. It doesn’t really need the constraint of format points that he barely sets up in the first place.  

Adam provides decent value and understands the mission – to nod politely when Howard leads but to provide content in order for banter to ensue. Adam “puts in” some lovely things into the Wonderbox: a cider-top (pint of cider with a dash of lemonade on top) which reminds her of her first date with her now husband (intertwined with antiquated porn chat); a pouch of two pence coins as a reminder of holidays to Blackpool (plus reminiscing about grandparents); and the song, ‘California Soul’ by Marlena Shaw (with more coastal town chat centred around her University days).

It’s OK and it scratches an itch if you’re after a little storytelling and a lot of levity. Occasionally, there’s unannounced interruptions – laughing and the odd fact – from an unknown man in the background but apart from that, it’s a straight-forward, entertaining conversation between two, slightly unhinged but funny, mates.