The town of Droitwich Spa, where Rik Mayall grew up, is celebrating him with a big comedy festival starting this Saturday. It’s an eight-day event filled with laughter to remember Rik the best way — by making people smile and laugh like he did.
You’ll see some pretty big names like Greg Davies, Helen Lederer, and Shaparak Khorsandi performing, but it’s not just the stars. There are also some fresh, up-and-coming comedians getting a chance to shine on stage. The whole thing is happening mainly at the Norbury Theatre — that’s where Rik first got on stage as a kid, which makes it feel really special.
Plus, it’s not only stand-up. There’s music, magic shows, and spoken word too. Rik’s family is totally behind the festival and said something like, “Spending a week laughing is the perfect way to remember Rik.” Honestly, it sounds like a really warm, fun tribute.
A New Biography on Rik Mayall Coming in 2028
There’s also some exciting news for fans: an official biography about Rik Mayall is on its way. The book’s called Rik: The Lives and Times of Rik Mayall and it’s set to come out in March 2028, which would’ve been his 70th birthday.
Max Kinnings, the author, worked with Rik before on his 2005 book Bigger than Hitler – Better than Christ. For this new biography, he went really deep — spending over 100 hours listening to Rik’s recorded conversations and talking to people who knew him well, like family, friends, and fellow comedians.
This book looks like it’ll give a real, honest picture of Rik’s life — the ups and downs, the laughs, and why he still means so much to British comedy today.
Why Rik Mayall Still Means So Much to Fans
Even years after his passing, Rik Mayall’s influence on British comedy is huge. His wild energy, unique style, and fearless approach to humor inspired many comedians who came after him. People still watch his shows and laugh just as much today as when they first aired. The festival is a way for fans, both old and new, to celebrate that legacy and keep his spirit alive. Honestly, not many comedians have left this kind of mark.
