The town of Droitwich in Worcestershire is gearing up to introduce a comedy festival in 2025, as a tribute to its renowned former resident, Rik Mayall.
Mayall, celebrated for his roles in iconic shows like The Young Ones, Bottom, and The New Statesman, spent his formative years in Droitwich. He graced the stage of the Norbury Theatre on numerous occasions, with his first recorded stage appearance believed to have taken place there during his childhood.
His debut role was reportedly in a production of Waiting For Godot, directed by his father.
Later on, Mayall attributed a Worcestershire background to his investigative reporter character, Kevin Turvey.
Following Mayall’s passing in June 2014, the town council aims to inaugurate the festival in June 2025, coinciding with this significant date, with plans to establish it as an annual tradition.
Councillor Richard Morris told,
“The family was contacted and it was thought a statue ‘wasn’t really Rik and what he was about’. They would prefer a festival as it would help keep comedy – which he loved so much and worked so hard on – alive.
One thing Droitwich does well is festivals and one thing Rik did extremely well was comedy so hopefully it will be a winning combination.”
Norbury Theatre’s chair Anne Lane, said:
“We are really hoping we can get the inaugural festival going as a fitting tribute to Rik, as well as boosting and encouraging more of the town’s comedic talent.
It is fantastic – as the first place Rik performed – to be involved in this exciting venture.”
She added that the current plan involves engaging the town’s pubs and cafes, as well as featuring performances by amateur comedians.
“We are hoping to get a big comedian here for the climax of the festival”, adding: “A blue plaque is a blue plaque – it can be anywhere. But a comedy festival in Rik’s name, every year, brings his memory back.”
“Bottom,” the 1990s sitcom starring Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson, is set to be commemorated with a new documentary titled “Bottom: Exposed,” airing tonight (April 18th) on TV channel Gold.