Rik Mayall: Lord Of Misrule (BBC-2 20 Dec 2014, Michael Palin, Simon Pegg)

Narrated by Simon Callow, Rik Mayall: Lord Of Misrule salutes Rik Mayall and celebrates his part in the UK’s comedy history, using rare and unseen archive footage, and talking to the people who knew or admired him.

Comedian Rik Mayall died suddenly on 9 June 2014. His 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 Kendall-adoring student and ‘Peoples Poet’ Rik in The Young Ones; ruthless MP Alan B’Stard in The New Statesman; seedy violent loser Richie in Bottom; and larger-than-life characters Robin Hood and flying ace Lord Flashheart from Blackadder.

Contributors include Michael Palin, Simon Pegg, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Alexei Sayle, Christopher Ryan, Tim McInnerny, Jools Holland, Ruby Wax and Greg Davies.

production details
UK / BBC Two / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 20 December 2014 @ 10.05pm

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.