Latest news with #RikMayall
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Friends of comedy giant Rik Mayall enjoy festival in his memory
A comedy festival in memory of Rik Mayall has been proclaimed a huge success with friends of the actor and writer saying he would have loved died 11 years ago and more than 200 performances have been taking place this week across 30 different venues in his hometown of Droitwich, in Worcestershire as part of a celebration of the Davies, Helen Lederer and Shaparak Khorsandi have taken part with Mayall's friend and collaborator Ben Elton the festival's patron."Of course he would love it what's not to love?" said friend Lederer. "He would say bring it on." "I know he would have loved it, because he got some stinky reviews - he carried on, it's a very competitive world and he believed in what he was doing and he's no different to anyone else."Earlier this week, Lederer took part in an intimate and no-holds-barred evening at a sold-out Norbury Theatre, where Mayall first performed as a child. She said the festival was "eight days of amazing comedy events, a mix and match of free events".Speaking afterwards, she described her favourite memories of Mayall, who she said was always encouraging and "accepting of everyone"."He loved what he did and he loved what other people did, and apart from being the most charismatic performer ever," she have said they would like to make it an annual event and local traders said the town had been extremely Fellows, landlady of the Old Cock Inn which sits opposite the theatre, has been hosting events. "It's been amazing. Absolutely fantastic, " she said."You just couldn't imagine I don't think the impact on Droitwich that's it's had."She said so much had been going on and that she had enjoyed hosting acts."We've just been rammed all day - Saturday was just a stupidly insane day busy-wise and I think the whole town was just buzzing with it and even for a Monday night we had two nearly sell-out shows here and we've got sell out shows all week which is great."It's not just for local people, there's people down from Scotland, from Dorset staying all week or the weekend." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Metro
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
11 years on, I'm still mourning comedy legend Rik Mayall
It's been almost exactly 11 years since the death of inimitable comedy genius Rik Mayall. 11 long years (if you read that in Richie's voice, you're my people). I'm not over it. In fact, over a decade on, I miss Rik's irreverent humour more than ever – but I'm so honoured to be a part of the inaugural Rik Mayall Comedy Festival this weekend. In interviews after his recovery from a near-fatal quad bike accident in April 1998, Rik Mayall revealed that his family had dubbed that day 'Crap Thursday'. The crash happened the day before Good Friday, and Rik had remained in a coma until Easter Monday. He often joked that he 'beat Jesus' by being dead five days before coming back to life. Well, June 9, 2014 was definitely 'S**t Monday'. S**tter than the s**ttiest of s**t-smeared s**tty s**t Mondays. I was travelling home from a hen-do and had no idea how bad my hangover was about to get. Upon reading that Rik Mayall had died of a sudden heart attack, I burst into tears and felt sorrow in a way I hadn't thought possible from a celebrity death. Such is my love of 'The Rik', texts started to ping in from friends reassuring that they were thinking about me. Of course, my thoughts were with Rik's friends and family; his wife Barbara and three children Rosie, Sid, and Bonnie. In the years since Rik died, I've lost my own beloved mum and dad – and, while I must not diminish the insurmountable devastation felt when your nearest and dearest are snatched from this earth, the pain of Rik's untimely death at age 56 deeply affected me. British comedy had lost an irreplaceable master of the craft. I've been a fan of Rik Mayall's work for as long as I can remember. Aged seven, Grim Tales was a series of adapted Brothers Grimm stories that Rik brought to life with such hysterical flair, my young mind was indelibly transformed. Soon, Drop Dead Fred became my favourite film with repeated viewings too numerous to count – it remains my go to comfort watch. Then Bottom exploded onto TV screens in 1991. Yes, aged eight, I was too young to be watching the show but you couldn't have stopped me and my older brother from tuning in to the live-action cartoon depicting Richie and Eddie's hilariously depraved existence. It was like nothing we had ever seen before, or since. Bottom formed my funny bone into the best possible shape with its stupendous slapstick, witty wordplay and naughty nob gags – it's comedy dynamite. To say I love it is an understatement. In the years since Rik died, I've been inspired to work in comedy and study Bottom quite a lot ('while I'm alone in the house'). I've waxed lyrical about why it's the best British sitcom, I co-host a podcast Talking Bottom and have even co-authored a Bottom book, due to be published by Unbound on July 3. Now, this weekend sees The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival launch for the first time in Droitwich Spa – Rik's hometown. This brand new comedy festival being named after the inimitable genius of Rik Mayall is a fitting way to honour the man who gifted the world so much laughter. I am beyond honoured to be a tiny part of the festival, as I'll be appearing at the Norbury Theatre with a live version of my podcast Talking Bottom – I'll have the pleasure of interviewing Bottom's incredibly talented Director and Producer, Ed Bye. I plan to see as many of the other comedy shows as possible while I'm there. Every smile on every face will be gathered there thanks to a love of Rik Mayall, and, of course, the hard work of the organisers. Rik Mayall is arguably (and fight you about it, I will) the finest comic actor of his generation. From his early days in the 1980s, forming one half of an iconic partnership with Adrian Edmondson in The Dangerous Brothers, Rik took the comedy world by storm. Following their anarchic live performances at The Comic Strip club, Rik co-created and starred in The Young Ones and changed the face of British comedy in its wake. Rik went on to steal the show in sitcoms including Filthy Rich & Catflap, The New Statesman, Blackadder, Believe Nothing and Man Down. In sharp contrast to the public persona Rik cultivated – an effervescently confident ego-maniac – at his core, he struck me as someone humble. Grateful to be sharing laughter. As far as I'm concerned, it's the most wonderful gift you can bestow on your fellow humans, and Rik dished it out in custardy pants-filled bucketloads. It's often said that you shouldn't meet your heroes but I had the honour of meeting Rik on several occasions (one of the many 'ordinaries' he nicknamed fans with mocking affection), and he never disappointed. Rik was generous with his time. He made you feel special, he'd embrace you in a life-affirming hug, if female fans offered him their breasts to sign (consent was never in question), he'd gladly oblige while flashing his trademark pervy grin. He'd fall to his knees pretending to give male fans fellatio – anything for the giggle, especially when there was a camera around. Some may interpret these exchanges as overtly exhibitionist, sexual, inappropriate… but that was the point. Rik's behaviour was so gleefully outrageous and welcomed in a way that's hard to explain to anyone who didn't encounter it first-hand. Rik possessed a unique warmth of character. An endlessly playful energy exuded from him – it was infectious. All-consuming. Awe-inspiring. Addictive. Fans still feel this connection, even without having met him, as it's present in his performances. We're all invited in on the joke of his faux grandiosity. It's glorious. On June 9, 2014, grief-stricken fans poured out their love via social media – tributes to Rik Mayall 'the man, the myth, the legend' were, quite rightly, everywhere. In the months that followed, a petition for a commemorative bench in Hammersmith, located near the spot from the iconic opening credits to Bottom, was actioned. I attended the bench unveiling in November 2014 and it was healing to share the loss with fellow fans. Humour helps heal the darkest of situations. It builds memories, forms bonds and connects you on a level that seeps deep into your bones. I shared many Rik inspired laughs with my parents over the years. When my mum was ill in bed in her final days fighting cancer, I remember walking through our front door and hearing her shout the classic Richie line 'I'm in the cupbooooard' from her bedroom. We shrieked with laughter, all thanks to Rik's comedy shared in years gone by. In the months after Mum died, I took my dad on a trip to Rik's bench in Hammersmith. While there, I promptly pretended to punch him in the nether regions. I've hundreds of photos with Dad, but it's an image I especially cherish now he's sadly gone, too. You rarely have a chance to take a picture so hilariously inappropriate with your own father. I have my parents and Rik to thank for my wicked sense of humour. Rik may no longer be here but his legacy endures. New generations of comedy fans are discovering his work and that gives me comfort. It gives me hope for the future. The Young Ones fans know there's solace to be taken from the fact Rik will never truly be dead when we still have his (poems) comedy. June 9 may be the anniversary of S**t Monday but it has become a date on which fans around the world will be sharing Rik clips, memes, happy memories of meeting the comedy legend, witty letters he sent, arrange to meet each other at the bench and raise a glass to toast his memory. More Trending As such, every year, I now find myself looking forward to seeing 'Rik Mayall' trending on socials. The sadness turns to joy. It's important to mark this milestone by celebrating Rik's humour – today and always. So no, I'm still not 'over' Rik's death, I never will be… I never want to be. The best way to honour The Rik Mayall is to share a laugh every chance we get. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: This new British movie is one of the funniest films I've ever seen MORE: BBC confirms huge Casualty news and it's the end of an era MORE: Interior Design Masters fans fume after favourite loses to 'ugly' design in shock finale
BBC News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Droitwich Spa celebrates Rik Mayall with comedy festival
For an entire generation growing up the 1980s and 1990s, Rik Mayall was one of the most familiar - and fascinating - faces on now, 11 years after his death at the age of 56, his legacy is being celebrated with the first-ever comedy festival in his memory, in his hometown of Droitwich Spa, friend and frequent collaborator - and festival patron - Ben Elton said it was only right that his contribution to comedy was being honoured."What Rik did was so exuberantly, fabulously, gleefully huge, that in the right moment, it was probably about as funny as it's possible to be," he told the BBC. Elton first met Mayall at the University of Manchester, before they went on to collaborate on The Young Ones, Blackadder, and Filthy Rich and Catflap."Rik had an essential star quality which was kind of unique", said Elton. "I've been fortunate enough to work with some great talent."None have had the quality Rik had." The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, which begins on Saturday and runs for eight days, will see stand-up from well-known figures such as Greg Davies, Helen Lederer and Shaparak Khorsandi as well as less-established comedians, alongside music, magic and spoken word epicentre will be the town's Norbury Theatre, where Mayall first performed as a child in a production of Waiting for Godot."Everyone in the town is so pleased with what we're doing," said festival director Stuart Panrucker. "I think it's really given everyone a sense of ownership of Rik and... [the chance to] say he's one of ours and give us something to be proud of." Mayall went on to star in the political satire The New Statesman, as the Thatcherite MP Alan B'stard, and as perennial loser Richard Richard in Bottom, which he created and wrote with another university friend, Ade are still repeated on television to this day. "I think Rik's comedy is timeless," said producer and writer John Lloyd, who worked on Blackadder. "It's unique - there's nobody I can think of who's even close to being like him."Everything Rik did was so full of charisma. It was like magic."There was an aura about him." The festival will give Mayall's prolific output the chance to find a new legion of fans, added Elton."Obviously lots of people don't need alerting to his brilliance, but they can be reminded," he said. "And perhaps some new people can discover it." In a statement, Mayall's family lent their support to the event."We are really touched that Droitwich Spa has chosen to honour Rik with a comedy festival," they said. "His mum and dad would have been so proud and especially pleased that the Norbury Theatre features prominently."Spending a week laughing is the perfect way to remember Rik." The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival runs in Droitwich Spa between 31 May and 7June. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Scotsman
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
13 retro snacks every 80s child wanted in their lunch box at school
These were the tastes of the 80s for schoolchildren everywhere Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... These were the snacks and drinks every child wanted to find in their school lunch box during the 1980s Their popularity was boosted by some memorable advertising campaigns Some have been discontinued, while others have made a comeback following campaigns by fans who missed them If you were a child of the 1980s who took a packed lunch to school there were some snacks which would make you the envy of all your classmates. Below are some of the retro 80s drinks, crisps and chocolate biscuits every schoolchild wanted to find in their lunchbox back then, alongside their sandwiches and fruit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 54321 bars These chocolate bars were named after the five key ingredients they contained - wafer, fondant, rice crispies, caramel and milk chocolate. They are also remembered by many for the advert, featuring the Manfred Mann song 5-4-3-2-1 and in an early version the comedian Rik Mayall. 54321 bars were sadly discontinued in 1989. Panda Pops This range of brightly coloured fizzy drinks was popular with children for many years. Flavours included blue raspberryade, which was guaranteed to turn your tongue a vivid blue, cherryade and strawberry jelly & ice cream. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Panda Pops were eventually axed in 2011 following pressure from health campaigners over the high sugar content. Club biscuits For many children of the 80s, these cream-filled, chocolate covered biscuit bars will forever be associated with the insanely catchy advertising jingle. All together now: 'If you like a lot of chocolate on your biscuit, join our club.' Everyone had a favourite flavour of the Jacob's/McVitie's biscuits, whether it was plain, orange, mint, coffee or one of the other many varities introduced over the years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Club biscuits remain popular today, with a new salted caramel flavour introduced in 2022. Kia-Ora Kia-Ora dates back to 1903, when it was first sold in Australia, but despite being available in the UK from 1917 it only really took off here in the 1970s and 80s. The drink's popularity was fuelled by the animated adverts featuring the jingle 'We all adore a Kia-Ora', though those adverts were later criticised for their use of racial stereotypes. Smiths Flavour 'n' Shake crisps Smiths Salt 'n' Shake is a classic crisp variety still made by Walkers today. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There's always been something strangely satisfying about having to do the work yourself, opening the sachet of salt and shaking the bag vigorously, even though it was never enough to evenly distribute said salt. Smiths really stepped things up in the 80s, with the introduction of Flavour 'n' Shake crisps, with flavourings including salt and vinegar, cheese and onion, smoky bacon and tomato ketchup. Um Bongo This popular tropical flavour fruit drink was first introduced in 1983 by Libby's, which at the time belonged to Nestlé. It was advertised for many years using the jingle 'Um Bongo, Um Bongo, they drink it in the Congo', though the reference to the Congo was later removed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The original recipe was famously altered in the noughties after new regulations were introduced restricting the use of sugar and artificial flavourings. But following complaints from many customers the original formula was reintroduced in 2009, originally as Um Bongo Tropical and then Classic Um Bongo. Golden Wonder Super Heroes crisps Golden Wonder was king of the crisps in the UK until it was overtaken by Walkers. In the 1980s, its popular varieties included the Super Heroes range, with web-shaped Spider-Man crisps and Superman ones in the shape of his famous 'S' logo. Golden Wonder crisps were advertised at the time as being 'Britain's noisiest crisp' with the best crunch factor. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Texan bars The Texan was a US-themed chocolate bar containing nougat and toffee which was popular in the UK during the 1970s and early 80s. The adverts featured a cartoon cowboy who would declare the Texan bar 'sure is a mighty chew'. It was withdrawn from sale in 1984 but after being named the UK's favourite sweet of all time in a 2004 survey, it was briefly revived by Nestlé the following year as a limited edition 'nostalgia' product. Marathon bar This popular peanut, nougat and caramel chocolate bar never went away but famously changed its name in the UK in 1990 to Snickers, as it had always been known elsewhere. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To children who grew up in the UK during the 80s, it will always be a Snickers bar. The maker Mars decided to cash in on the nostalgia, briefly introducing a retro Marathon version in UK supermarkets in 2019. United chocolate bar This was possibly the only chocolate biscuit bar to feature a football kit-inspired wrapper, with blue and white stripes. The chocolate coated biscuit with candy crisp was launched by McVitie's in 1979 and proved hugely popular during the 1980s before being discontinued during the early 1990s. Choc-Dips A hot air balloon pays homage to the popular KP Choc-Dips snack, introduced in 1982 |Choc-Dips first hit supermarket shelves in 1982 and the biscuit sticks with a chocolatey dipping sauce have proved a favourite with youngsters ever since. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But did you prefer the original milk chocolate version, the white chocolate variety or the old toffee version? Trio The Trio was another chocolate bar whose popularity was boosted by a memorable advertising campaign during the 80s. Those ads featured the cartoon character Suzy, who opened her chops improbably wide to belt out 'Trio, Trio, I want a Trio and I want one now', to the tune of Day-O (The Banana Boat Song). Trios, originally made by Jacob's, consisted of a biscuit base topped with toffee cream and covered in milk chocolate, in three snappable sections. Other versions contained chocolate and strawberry cream. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Trios were discontinued in 2003 but the original toffee version made a comeback in 2016, following a Facebook campaign. Fish 'n' Chips biscuits These fish-shaped savoury biscuits by Burton's were hugely popular during the 80s, when they featured in many school lunch boxes. The salt and vinegar flavoured snack, with its distinctive newspaper-style packaging, disappeared for many years before making a comeback in 2014.
Sydney Morning Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
I watch TV for a living. This episode is the craziest thing I've seen.
This story contains spoilers for episode three of season two of The Rehearsal. I have a high threshold for the absurd. As a kid (yes, I was too young for it, blame my dad) I grew up with Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson, who took deranged pleasure in beating each other senseless on the BBC. My teenage years were spent singing about soup and eels with The Mighty Boosh. One of the best things I watched in my 20s was Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas guessing the contents of a dumpster on The Chris Gethard Show. And one week after giving birth, I nearly did damage to myself uncontrollably laughing at Tim Robinson not knowing how to work his body in a virtual-reality supermarket on I Think You Should Leave. As deputy TV editor of this masthead and someone who's professionally written about pop culture for more than a decade, I watch a lot of comedy. But none of this prepared me for the latest episode of HBO docu-comedy The Rehearsal, in which Nathan Fielder – a 41-year-old man – shaved all the hair off his body, put on a nappy and a harness to propel himself into an oversized cot and re-created the life of Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the beloved pilot who landed a passenger plane on the Hudson. Whether you've seen the series or not, it's difficult to describe the context for this – a scene so ornately staged and deadpan in its delivery that I literally screamed while watching. Stranger still: it wasn't even my favourite moment of the episode. That was Fielder's reveal of a (not unconvincing) theory that a 23-second silence in the famous plane's black box recording is explained by Sully listening to the chorus of Evanescence's 2003 goth-pop hit Bring Me To Life. Speaking to Vulture, Evanescence singer Amy Lee called the moment 'so beautiful', adding that the show is a moving portrait of human vulnerability and a worthwhile interrogation of airline safety (this season is focused on Fielder's attempts to prevent real crashes). 'It's just blowing my mind,' she said. 'He's some kind of genius.' Separate to all that, this 34-minute episode also includes Fielder spending four months training one of a couple's three cloned dogs to behave like their deceased pet with the help of half a dozen paid actors and a man transporting air from the city where they once lived. As our critic put it in his four-and-a-half-star review of this season, 'No one else is making television like this [and] that actually might be for the best.'
