Friday 22nd March, 2002

Richard appeared in a trio of sketches in which he dressed in 18th century attire, bandied insults about and duelled with Lenny Henry.

Here is a run down of the sketches. Not sure if the humour is going to “work” here but here goes…

Both Richard and Lenny are 18th century gentleman about to embark on an early morning duel.

In the first sketch Richard enquires if the ground isn’t too soft for his opponent’s boots? Lenny takes this as an insult to his bookmaker’s skills and the quality of boots he can afford. An exchange of dialogue takes place, liberally punctuated with “Sir” as Lenny finds insults and Richard protesting against. They then try to turn to commence dual only to be revealed to have sunk into ground up to their knees.

In second sketch again they are about to embark on dual and Richard takes snuff, offering some also to Lenny. He refuses. Banter is exchanged. He accepts. Both pace out ground turn to fire as Lenny fires he sneezes and gun wobbles. Likewise Richard. Lenny glances solemnly around.

“You seem to have shot my horse sir.”

“It seems I have sir”, replies Richard.

“I demand that my honour is satisfied sir”, retorts Lenny.

Third sketch and Lenny offers Richard a drink before they duel. Richard compliments him on the cognac, only for a disgruntled Lenny to declare that its not cognac but Armagnac. “And what kind of person does he consider him to be sir, that he would serve such dredges on such an occasion, sir?”

After protests on both parts they pace out and aim. Then Lenny insists that Richard fires first. He protests that he will not, sir, the first shot should be yours sir. An argument ensues. Then both seconds pick up the spare pistols and fire at them – killing them.

Lenny’s last words being “I appear to have been shot by your second sir. I demand satisfaction.”

Lenny’s eyes close in death whereas Richard’s eyes remain open but roll upwards.