First appearing on the British version of 'Saturday Night Live' first broadcast in 1985, Rik Mayall was one of a new wave of fresh comedic talent to appear on British tv screens in the 80s amidst Margret Thatcher's iron grip on the UK political platform, the yuppie era and the eclectic new wave in British pop/rock music.
Starring alongside the likes of Ben Elton, Ade Edmonson, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, to name but a few, British comedy was to be reborn anew and the comedic bar raised for others to follow - though sadly this does not to seem to have been the case today with the demise of comedy produced for television within the UK, especially with the rise in 'popularity' in docu-soaps, pseudo reality programs and trash in the form of Big Brother, etc. British television has slumped badly and will now be all the poorer for the loss of such a brilliant comedy/writing talent.
Rik Mayall and Ade Edmonson were best know (and loved) for their comedy show, 'Bottom', in which Rik played Richie, and Ade played Eddie, two out of work friends and flat mates. The show was also a great success on stage in live tours around the country. I have included a compilation clip of those live shows where they fluff their lines and lose the plot - be advised, swearing is contained within.
He will be greatly missed.
~ Rik Mayall 7th March 1958 - 9th June 2014 ~
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