Laughing in Memory of Rik Mayall: Droitwich Spa's Big Celebration
Honestly, who didn't love Rik Mayall? For those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s, he was everywhere – a chaotic whirlwind of brilliantly bizarre characters. Now, 11 years after his death, his hometown of Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, is throwing a massive comedy festival in his memory. And it's not just a small affair; this is a proper, eight-day extravaganza.
A Celebration Fit for Lord Flashheart
The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival kicked off this past weekend and boy, what a start. The opening day had events spilling out from the Norbury Theatre – where young Rik first performed in Waiting for Godot, can you believe it? – into Victoria Square, St Andrew's Square Shopping Centre and even the Droitwich Library! It felt like the whole town was involved. The lineup is incredible – names like Greg Davies, Helen Lederer, and Shaparak Khorsandi are drawing crowds, but it’s also showcasing some amazing up-and-coming talent. Alongside the comedy, there's music, magic, and even spoken word events. They really went all out.
Ben Elton, a close friend and collaborator of Mayall's (they worked together on The Young Ones, Blackadder, and Filthy Rich and Catflap, among others) is the festival patron. He described Rik as having "an essential star quality which was kind of unique," adding that, "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.” I couldn't agree more.
The festival isn’t just about big names though; it's really about the community embracing their famous son. Stuart Panrucker, the festival director, said: "Everyone in the town is so pleased with what we're doing. It's really given everyone a sense of ownership of Rik."
Beyond the Laughs: Remembering Rik's Legacy
Mayall's impact on British comedy is undeniable. From the anarchic brilliance of The Young Ones and his unforgettable turns as Alan B'stard in The New Statesman and Richard Richard in Bottom, to his hilarious cameos as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder, his characters are still quoted and imitated today. I still find myself chuckling at his lines years later.
Bottom, particularly, has a cult following. And get this, there’s even a new book coming out; Rik: The Lives and Times of Rik Mayall, the only officially authorized biography, written by his close friend Max Kinnings, is set to release in 2028. It’ll be a treasure trove for fans – including 100 hours of conversations with Rik himself.
- The festival also includes a special screening of a new short film, "Rik Mayall, he was one of ours you know!" showcasing local memories of the comic.
- Several events have already sold out, highlighting the immense popularity of the festival.
- The festival concludes with a “party in the park” on June 7th.
More Than Just a Festival
This isn't just a comedy festival; it’s a testament to a beloved comedian and a celebration of his hometown's pride. It's a wonderful way to remember Rik Mayall, and honestly, I think he would've loved the chaotic, hilarious energy of it all.
If you're anywhere near Droitwich Spa before June 7th, you should definitely check it out. And if you can't make it, I highly recommend searching for information online about the festival – it's been an amazing tribute to a true comedic genius. Even if you're not a huge fan of stand-up, I imagine you could find something to enjoy in this wide-ranging festival.
