The bum comedy of BBC Two…
Combining cartoon-style slapstick, nob gags and Beckettian nihilist humour, Bottom left an indelible mark on British comedy. When it hit British screens in 1991, at first glance it was just another sofa-based sitcom. Soon, it became clear Bottom was a masterpiece.
Written by and starring comedy legends Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson as reprobates Richard Richard and Edward Hitler, their stories unfolded in three chaotic BBC TV series, five explosive live shows and a formidable feature film.
Talking Bottom: A Guide To The Cult Sitcom is a new book that celebrates the legacy of TV’s greatest losers, Richie and Eddie. Complete with thorough ‘Bottom Inspections’, ‘Bottom Nuggets’, never-before-seen photos, draft script excerpts and interview snippets with Bottom’s cast and crew.
Bottom aficionados Paul Tanter, Angela Pearson and Mat Brooks said: “Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson shaped our funny bones with their frying pan wielding cartoon violence. After Rik sadly died far too young, we started the Talking Bottom podcast to celebrate the hilarious double act to which we owe thanks for endless laughter. We have written this book for fellow comedy fans to devour and we hope readers will sit back, relax, and enjoy our thorough Bottom examination!”
Delve inside the comedy with Paul, Ange and Mat as they explore a sitcom that continues to delight and disgust new audiences today. “Rik and Ade never cast me in Bottom because I was too wild and violent, the bastards. So I don’t want to have anything to do with this book.” – Nigel Planer, The Young Ones, Filthy Rich & Catflap
Paul Tanter is a film/TV director and film journalist; Angela Pearson is a comedy publicist, writer and journalist; and Mat Brooks is an editor, director and comedian. Together, they created the Talking Bottom podcast in memory of Rik Mayall, and to celebrate the world’s greatest sitcom. The first ever Talking Bottom Live podcast at Rik Mayall Comedy Festival 2025 (3pm, 31st May, Norbury Theatre) sold out within hours of going on sale. For details on the festival visit rikmayallcomedyfestival.com
Talking Bottom: A Guide To The Cult Sitcom – commemorating Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson’s hit 90s BBC sitcom Bottom – is out 3rd July 2025, published by Unbound.
