The most chaotic man in British comedy finally gets the chaos he deserves.
Comedian Rik Mayall died suddenly on 9 June 2014. Mayall's blend of rocket-fuelled physical comedy, surrealism, subversive satire and pompous punk wit left a body of work that spanned four decades. Mayall's characters include the Black Country's investigative nerd Kevin Turvey, Felicity Kendal-adoring student and 'People's Poet' Rik in The Young Ones, ruthless MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman, seedy loser Richie in Bottom and larger-than-life characters Robin Hood and flying ace Lord Flashheart from Blackadder. Narrated by Simon Callow, this programme salutes Rik Mayall and celebrates his part in the UK's comedy history using rare and unseen archive footage. It also features contributions from people who knew or admired him, including Michael Palin, Simon Pegg, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Alexei Sayle, Christopher Ryan, Tim McInnerny, Jools Holland, Ruby Wax and Greg Davies.
Acting
Mayall's archive performances remain dangerously electric.
Writing
B'Stard and Flashheart quotes that still cut.
Direction
Simon Callow's narration adds theatrical gravitas.
Director
Andy Humphries
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mayall and Ade Edmondson met at Manchester University in 1975, where they performed as '20th Century Coyote' and once got arrested for doing a dangerous stage stunt.
The Young Ones essentially invented alternative comedy television in Britain, airing on BBC Two in 1982 and influencing everything from Spaced to Fleabag.
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