Comedy Festival Salutes Rik Mayall's Unique Spirit

For an entire generation growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Rik Mayall was one of the most known - and intriguing - faces on television.

And now, 11 years after his death at the age of 56, his legacy is being honoured with the first comedy festival in his memory, held in his hometown of Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.

Mayall's friend and regular collaborator - and festival patron - Ben Elton said it was only fitting that his contribution to comedy be recognized.

Elton met Mayall at the University of Manchester, and they went on to work together on The Young Ones, Blackadder, Filthy Rich, and Catflap.

"Rik had an essential star quality which was kind of unique", commented Elton. "I've been lucky to collaborate with some exceptional talent.

"None have had the quality Rik had."

The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, which begins on Saturday and lasts eight days, will feature stand-up performances by well-known characters such as Greg Davies, Helen Lederer, and Shaparak Khorsandi, as well as lesser-known comedians, as well as music, magic, and spoken word events.

Its focal point will be the town's Norbury Theatre, where Mayall originally appeared 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 Thatcherite MP Alan B'stard and as perennial loser Richard Richard in Bottom, which he co-created and scripted with another university mate, Ade Edmondson.

Many are still seen on television to this day.

"I think Rik's comedy is timeless," says producer and writer John Lloyd, who collaborated on Blackadder. "It's one-of-a-kind; I can't think of anyone who comes close to him.

"Everything Rik did exude charisma. It was like magic.

"There was an aura about him."

'Bold and brave'

Comedian, writer, and actress Helen Lederer described Mayall as a dynamic performer, superb actor, and "standalone, anarchic comedian" who pioneered the alternative comedy movement.

Instead of a statue, she stated that the festival was a week-long tribute to Mayall, who was "bold and brave, just like Rik".

"People need to remember and be inspired by these standout individuals we've had," she told me. "It's about laughing and encouraging new people."

Mayall had supported her career, she claimed. "Ricky was so encouraging and kind of connected and saw me and I think that I will always remember that, and you do remember that when you're starting - who supported you, who saw something in you." She claimed Mayall had done this for numerous people.

According to Elton, the festival will provide an opportunity for Mayall's prolific output to reach a new audience.

"Obviously lots of people don't need alerting to his brilliance, but they can be reminded," he told me. "And perhaps some new people can discover it."

Mayall's family issued a statement expressing their support for the event.

"We are really touched that Droitwich Spa has chosen to honour Rik with a comedy festival," they told us. "His parents would have been quite proud, especially because the Norbury Theatre is prominently featured.

"Spending a week laughing is the perfect way to remember Rik."