Comedian Rik Mayall died suddenly on 9 June 2014. Mayall's blend of rocket-fuelled physical comedy, surrealism, subversive satire and pompous punk wit left a body of work that spanned four decades. Mayall's characters include the Black Country's investigative nerd Kevin Turvey, Felicity Kendal-adoring student and 'People's Poet' Rik in The Young Ones, ruthless MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman, seedy loser Richie in Bottom and larger-than-life characters Robin Hood and flying ace Lord Flashheart from Blackadder. Narrated by Simon Callow, this programme salutes Rik Mayall and celebrates his part in the UK's comedy history using rare and unseen archive footage. It also features contributions from people who knew or admired him, including Michael Palin, Simon Pegg, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Alexei Sayle, Christopher Ryan, Tim McInnerny, Jools Holland, Ruby Wax and Greg Davies.
- Status
- Released
- Production
- BBC
Keywords
- comedian
- death
Links
Top Cast
Rik Mayall as Self
Simon Pegg as Self
Ben Elton as Self
Simon Callow as Self - Narrator (voice)
Greg Davies as Self
Rowland Rivron as Self
Alexei Sayle as Self
Ruby Wax as Self
Top Crew
Andy Humphries · Director
Tara Duffy · Executive Producer
Reviews
Loading reviews…
More Like This
Robin's Wish
01 Sep 2020
Heart of a Dog
21 Oct 2015
For the Love of Spock
09 Sep 2016
Being James Bond
29 Aug 2021
I Am Heath Ledger
23 Apr 2017
It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley
08 Aug 2025
Kumaré
20 Jun 2012
Looking for Richard
11 Oct 1996
Howard
22 Apr 2018
Naqoyqatsi
02 Sep 2002
Who Are You, Charlie Brown?
24 Jun 2021
Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood
27 Jul 2018
Above Majestic
30 Oct 2018
The Secret
26 Mar 2006
Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear
10 Jun 2022
Live Aid
13 Jul 1985
Justin Bieber's Believe
19 Dec 2013
Too Funny to Fail: The Life & Death of The Dana Carvey Show
20 Oct 2017
The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
08 Oct 2020
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)
06 May 2026