A new documentary airing tonight on BBC Two offers a heartfelt tribute to the late comedian Rik Mayall, who died in 2014 at the age of 56. The film, titled Rik Mayall: The Lord of Misrule, features previously unseen footage from his personal archive and interviews with his widow, Barbara Robbin, as well as comedy peers like Ade Edmondson and Stephen Fry.
Exploring Mayall's Career
The documentary traces Mayall's rise from his early days at the University of Manchester, where he met his comedy partner Ade Edmondson, to his breakthrough on The Young Ones and The New Statesman. It also covers his film work, including Drop Dead Fred, and his later stage performances. According to the BBC, the film includes clips from Mayall's home videos and never-before-broadcast recordings.
Personal Reflections
Barbara Robbin, Mayall's wife of 25 years, speaks candidly about their life together and his enduring popularity. "He was a force of nature," she says in the documentary. "He made everyone around him laugh, even when he was in pain." The film also addresses the 1998 quad bike accident that nearly killed Mayall and left him with lasting injuries, which he later incorporated into his comedy.
Critical Reception
Early reviews have been positive, with The Guardian calling it "a loving but unflinching portrait" and The Times praising it as "a must-watch for fans." The documentary airs at 9pm on BBC Two and will be available on iPlayer afterwards.
