Talking Bottom

Rik Mayall Comedy Festival 2026 - WE'RE BACK!

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:46:29 +0100

What a line up! (And we don't mean an identity parade alongside Maureen Hedgehog). We are returning to The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival with three Talking Bottom events... ruddy hell!

Saturday May 30th 3pm sees Talking Bottom Live back on stage at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich, interviewing the Godfather of alternative comedy, the man Rik Mayall publicly thanked for his career, the producer/director who brought The Young Ones, Red Dwarf and Bottom to the screen - Paul Jackson!

Later, on Saturday 30th, we head over to the St Andrews Hotel, Droitwich for a 6pm screening of Rik Mayall's episode of Happy Families, introduced by Paul Jackson and followed by a Q&A.

On Sunday 31st May, the Talking Bottom Pub Quiz hits Droitwich's Old Cock Inn, (ooh err!) at 8pm, where question answers will be argued over, drinks will be had and prizes will be won!

The 2026 festival has a fantastic line-up featuring a host of comedy greats, including Nigel Planer, Alexei Sayle and Peter Richardson. Tickets for Talking Bottom events (and all the others!) can be booked via https://www.rikmayallcomedyfestival.com/

The Young Ones S1 E1: Demolition

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:05:00 +0100

Once in every lifetime comes... a sitcom that redefines the genre, smashes away the old guard and puts a rocket up the establishment. Their house is dirty, their hair greasy, their clothes smelly... and they have no plan on going to lectures! It's Rick, Vyvyan, Neil and Mike... The Young Ones!

Talking Bottom returns to discuss the seminal, groundbreaking sitcom that starred Rik Mayall, Ade Edmondson, Nigel Planer and Christopher Ryan, springing from the minds of writers Ben Elton, Lise Mayer and Rik Mayall and was brought to TV by the Godfather of alternative comedy; Paul Jackson.

Paul, Ange and Mat discuss the origins of the show and how it made it past the pilot, the characters and those who played them, reactions from critics and growing up watching the show.

We're back at this year's Rik Mayall Comedy Festival in May doing THREE events! Check out our socials and our linktree for details. https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

2025 Christmas round up

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 01:05:00 +0100

Bloody hell, that was a bit of a year, wasn't it?! Join us while we pour a festive glass of gravy, scrub our sprouts and wrap presents*.

We reminisce on the year that saw the book nearly have a rubbish cover, get cancelled, resurrected, moved to a new publisher, sell out as that publisher went into liquidation, have a third of its backers wait for their book, get republished and finally reprinted just in time for Christmas! Not to mention our first ever live shows at the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! We also tease what's coming in 2026, including a "Once in every lifetime" new series...

To buy the book "Talking Bottom: A Guide to the Cult Sitcom," our Lamb and Flag & Hammersmith Bugle tea towels or listen to more episodes, click here: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

Oh and one more thing: MERRY BLOODY CHRISTMAS

* The book and the tea towels, of course!

Max Kinnings (writer of the forthcoming official Rik Mayall biography) interview

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 01:49:22 +0100

This week's guest is a man whose professional career has often tighly interwoven with Rik Mayall's. He's a prolific writer of screenplays, novels, video games, plays - and was the ghost writer of Rik's spoof autobiography Bigger than Hitler, Better than Christ. He's currently researching and writing the only official biography of Rik Mayall, due for publication in 2028. It's Max Kinnings!

Max chats with us about working with Rik, first on a screenplay and then on the legendary autobiography that took the nation by storm. We also discuss his BBC Radio 4 documentary about Rik, Panglobal Phenomenon, which was based on over 100 hours of archive recordings of himself and Rik chatting about ideas. He shares his memories of working on Rik and Ade's Waiting For Godot in 1991 and on the first two Bottom Live shows, plus of course how the work on the official Rik biography is going!

To buy the book "Talking Bottom: A Guide to the Cult Sitcom," our Lamb and Flag & Hammersmith Bugle tea towels or listen to more episodes, click here: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

Dave Cohen interview

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 01:05:00 +0100

This weeks guest is a prolific comedy writer, stand-up comedian, novelist, Perrier award nominee, founder member of the Comedy Store Players and the man who coined the phrase “Comedy is the new rock n’roll.”

For over 35 years he’s written for some of the most successful shows on TV, including Spitting Image, The Rory Bremner Show, The Eleven O’Clock Show, My Family and Not Going Out, and on radio for Dead Ringers, The News Quiz and Sunday Format. He co-created the award-winning 15 Minute Musical and has written over 100 songs for the multi-BAFTA winning BBC hit Horrible Histories.

But ALSO he's one of the very few lucky individuals to witness first-hand Rik and Ade's "Death on the Toilet" at the 1979 Edinburgh Fringe. It's Dave Cohen!

To buy the book "Talking Bottom: A Guide to the Cult Sitcom," our Lamb and Flag & Hammersmith Bugle tea towels or listen to more episodes, click here: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

Colin Gilbert interview

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:04:22 +0100

Talking Bottom chats with Colin Gilbert, the director and co-writer with Rik Mayall of The Man Behind the Green Door and Kevin Turvey Investigates. Colin also directed Rab C Nesbitt and worked on Not the Nine O'Clock News, A Kick up the Eighties, I Lovett and Naked Video. He is the co-founder of prolific independent production company The Comedy Unit.

Colin shares memories of his career, the genesis of Kevin Turvey, working with Rik and much more in this fascinating interview.

To buy the book, our Lamb and Flag tea towels or listen to more episodes, click here: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

Live at the Edinburgh Fringe with special guest Lee Cornes!

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 01:05:00 +0100

This week it's the Talking Bottom podcast you've all been waiting for as we come to you LIVE from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! We were honoured to be joined by a very special guest - a comedian and writer who was at the cutting edge of alternative comedy in the 1980s. He performed on the very first night of The Comic Strip and his comedy CV includes The Young Ones, The Comic Strip presents…, Filthy Rich & Catflap, Colin’s Sandwich, Rab.C.Nesbitt, Blackadder and Red Dwarf. Yes, it's a brand new LIVE chat with The Lamb and Flag’s parasitic pub landlord, Dick Head AKA Lee Cornes!

Listen now or head to this link https://youtu.be/caPVWUtYRD8 on youtube to see the interview in full technicolour plus vox pops from fans after the show (spoiler, we all keep our pants on!) To buy the book, our Lamb and Flag tea towels or listen to more episodes, click here: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

Book relaunch and Edinburgh Fringe teaser

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:05:00 +0100

"Phew, that was close!" Following a catastrophic near-end more fraught than Richie and Eddie getting gunned down by the SAS, with the book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom SELLING OUT on its week of release and then the publisher liquidising its assets (literally), we're excited to announce that the book is back!

We discuss the seat-of-the-skidded-pants journey we've been on that's finally brought us to a brand-spanking new 2nd edition being published and out NOW via the very best bookshops and all your online book marketplaces.

We also chat about our upcoming podcast interview with comedy legend and "Dick Head" himself, Lee Cornes, that we recorded live on stage at this year's Edinburgh Fringe!

To buy the book, our Lamb and Flag tea towels or listen to more episodes, click here: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Rik the Narrator

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:05:00 +0200

Talking Bottom reaches the final episode of this special series on The Many Faces of Rik Mayall. Everyone knows Rik had the most expressive face but he had a voice to match, too. From The Wind in The Willows Toad to Jackanory. From Grim Tales to The Last Hurrah. Rik threw everything into his times in the audio booth, making each one unique, comedically brilliant and a masterclass in vocal performance.

Talking Bottom digs deep into those vocal performances that made our childhoods so special, plus some hidden gems from Rik's later career that fans may want to seek out.

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Richard Davies in Man Down

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 01:05:00 +0200

Described by Man Down creator and star Greg Davies as "a force of nature" and "dream casting," Rik Mayall blessed us all with a final return to the world of sitcom, dropping in each week to steal the episode - and the show - every time.

Richard Davies is the sadistic, prank-loving father of "Dan" (Greg) who loves nothing more than tormenting and publicly humiliating his adult son for his own amusement, yet with a hint of deep fatherly love behind that glint in his eye. This week is all about this role that sadly came to be known as Rik's TV swansong - and what a great one!

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Drop Dead Fred

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 01:05:00 +0200

"Dog poo, dog poo, lovely lovely dog poo.” Move over, Harvey the rabbit. Get to buggery, Tyler Durden. This week Talking Bottom delves into Rik's foray into Hollywood, playing the world's best imaginary friend. He's violent, sweary, flicks snot into drinks and sinks houseboats. It's Drop Dead Fred!

We chat about Rik as a film star, the psychology of imaginary friends and the film's re-evaluation as a story of female empowerment and mental health (yes we can be serious!). Plus of course we chat about looking up skirts, getting heads trapped in fridges and the parallels with the world of Tim Burton.

We are heading to the Edinburgh Fringe with the second ever Talking Bottom LIVE podcast at Underbelly Bristo Square on Sunday 24th August. We will be joined by veryyyyy special guest Lee Cornes AKA Bottom’s pub landlord Dick Head!!! “Are you calling me a liar??” “No, I’m calling you a tosser!” Tickets are available here: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/talking-bottom-live

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Richard Dangerous and Dreamytime Escort

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 01:05:00 +0200

“The Comic Strip Presents…Mr Jolly Lives Next Door was the prototype… that was really the pilot for Bottom.” Peter Richardson summed it up perfectly in our chat with him. Our new podcast puts Rik Mayall’s role starring alongside the legendary Peter Cook as Mr Jolly’s neighbouring business owner “Dreamytime Escort” under the microscope, along with a character who shares distant DNA; Richard Dangerous of "The Dangerous Brothers” double act!

Yes, this week is a double whammy of Rik’s most memorable characters as Talking Bottom examine what makes both disgusting, violent, perverted, heavy-drinking, greasy-haired creations brilliant and squalid in equal measure, and how Ade’s part in these loud, brash and chaotic duos served to elevate Rik’s performances to perfection.

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 01:05:00 +0200

"You see, in the good old days, you were poor, you got ill, and you died!" After playing a series squalid losers, Rik finally poured all that charisma, sex appeal and Machiavellian cunning into Tory MP Alan B'Stard; money and power-obsessed serial adulterer and possessor of the largest majority in the House of Commons.

Talking Bottom chats about one of Rik's most enduring characters, where Rik was able to lampoon those in power as a truly corrupt git, yet still came out on top most of the time.

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Lord Flashheart in Blackadder

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 01:05:00 +0200

"WOOF!!!” Following a brief appearance as "Mad Gerald" in the first Blackadder series, Rik returned in series two and four/forth as heroic, sexy, brave, top-level shagger Lord Flashheart. The character appeared in other similar guises in Blackadder Back and Forth as Robin Hood and then later in the Bombardier beer adverts.

Talking Bottom get to grips with Flash’s costume, moustaches, attitude, Darling, Bob, bridesmaids, beards and comedy as hot as Flash’s pants!!! We examine Rik's brief but perfect performance that was so utterly sexy that his character is remembered long after so few moments of screen time. “Down boy, down!”

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Richie Rich in Filthy, Rich and Catflap

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 01:00:00 +0200

Following the success of The Young Ones Rik, Nigel and Ade were reunited as a disgusting trio in Filthy, Rich & Catflap. Penned by Ben Elton, the sitcom mirrored the group's own entry into the world of light entertainment - and lampooned their own success with sharp-tongued satire that sadly only lasted one series. Richie Rich is a talentless, egotistical wannabe who bridges the gap between Rick the Student and Bottom's Richard Richard. Talking Bottom delves into what makes Richie Rich tick and how Rik's exaggerated performance, combined with flamboyant costumes, displayed incredible peacocking which won the hearts of many fans long before Bottom hit our screens. Rik and Ade perfected their double act in Bottom, but the roots of the duo's violent dynamic are plain for all to see as we explore the world of Filthy, Rich & Catflap.

The Talking Bottom book is out now! “Oh God! This is real!"

To order a copy follow this link: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

And please also check out details for our upcoming Edinburgh Fringe Talking Bottom LIVE podcast at Underbelly Bristo Square on Sunday 24th August with veryyyyy special guest Lee Cornes AKA Bottom’s pub landlord Dick Head!!! “Are you calling me a liar??” “No, I’m calling you a tosser!” Tickets are available here: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/talking-bottom-live

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Colin Grigson in Bad New and More Bad News

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 01:00:00 +0200

The hair... the tight trousers...the stepping in dogshit wearing just a sock on his foot... Bad News and More Bad News are two of "The Comic Strip Presents..." jewels in the crown, with Rik's Colin Grigson definitely a legend in his own mind. Talking Bottom dive into the character, his memorable moments and what makes Rik's performance so special.

The Talking Bottom book is out now! “Oh God! This is real!"

To order a copy follow this link: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

The Book Launch! (Also The Edinburgh Festival Fringe live show)

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 11:09:44 +0200

A quick one (ooh err) about our recent book launch in Hammer-smith, where we were joined at Rik's memorial bench by Godfather of alternative comedy, Producer Paul Jackson and Bottom actor legends Lee Cornes (Dick Head) and Roger Sloman (Mr Harrison), plus Bottom fans (including two who came all the way from The Netherlands!) and assorted press! Thank you to everyone who came down to collect their books and to everyone who backed the book (especially those still waiting for theirs to arrive).

Also an update about our upcoming live show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where we'll be joined by Lee Cornes who'll be sharing memories of working on Bottom and the multitude of other comedies he's appeared in, plus his fave Bottom clips!

The Talking Bottom book is out now! “Oh God! This is real!"

To order a copy follow this link: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Rick / Rick the Poet

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Once in every lifetime comes... one of Rik Mayall's most enduring and iconic characters. Starting life on stage reading crap poems and getting angry with the audience on shows like "Boom Boom, Out go the Lights" before graduating to student life in a sitcom that redefined the genre in "The Young Ones," for many, Rick is the character they picture when they think of Rik Mayall.

Talking Bottom dive into the character, his memorable moments and what makes Rik's performance so special.

The Talking Bottom book is out now! “Oh God! This is real!"

To order a copy follow this link: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

The Many Faces of Rik Mayall: Talking Bottom on Kevin Turvey

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:08:00 +0200

It's a new series! Most actors are fortunate if they have just one role people love them for. Rik embodied so many iconic and memorable characters that people adore. Kicking things off is a look at one of his early incarnations - self-styled "Investigative Journalist" and son of Redditch, Kevin Turvey in "A Kick up the Eighties" and "The Man Behind the Green Door."

The Talking Bottom book is out now! “Oh God! This is real!"

To order a copy follow this link: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

Talking Bottom meets Podcasto Catflappo!

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:00:00 +0200

“That was quite a LOCK IN, wasn’t it??” A short while ago our great mate Jeffers @PodcastoCatflappo asked to interview us about the writing process behind ‘Talking Bottom: A Guide to the Cult Sitcom’ and what Bottom fans can expect to uncover when flicking through its weighty folds. Listen to our sickeningly lovely chat with the top bloke that is Jeff - and then give his podcast a listen and follow him on socials @PodcastoCatflappo - his pod has featured loads of faaaaantastic names in alternative comedy including Nigel Planer and Jon Lloyd, as well as deep dives into Catflap and other brilliant Rik and Ade related content.

The Talking Bottom book comes out NEXT WEEK on 3 July! “WE ARE ON E WING!!!”

To order a copy follow this link: https://linktr.ee/talkingbottom

Talking Bottom LIVE - at The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival with special guest Ed Bye

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0200

Talking Bottom is BACK and LIVE - and what better place to do our FIRST EVER live show than at the innagural Rik Mayall Comedy Festival in Rik's old home town of Droitwich? We were joined by legendary Bottom director and Producer Ed Bye at the Norbury Theatre on the very stage upon which Rik first ever performed and where he used to operate the lights.

To a sold-out crowd, Ed shared memories of directing Bottom, working with Rik and Ade and his very favourite Bottom moments - watching them along with the audience and chatting about why they are so special.

Ed also joined in with a reading from an exclusive never-before seen or heard scene cut from an early draft of Bottom: Smells. AND of course the Talking Bottom quiz had to return for it's first ever live version, complete with audience participation!

Talking Bottom's next live show with special guest, Bottom's "Dick Head" Lee Cornes (also in Red Dwarf, The Young Ones and Blackadder) is at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sunday 24th August at 3.10pm at Underbelly Bristo Square. Tickets are available here: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/talking-bottom-live

The book Talking Bottom: A guide to The Cult Sitcom can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

THE BOOK & The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival

Fri, 02 May 2025 08:00:00 +0200

This ep sees an update on our book, Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom, snatched (ooh errr) from the jaws of defeat to be published on July 3rd. We wang on about why it took f*cking aaaages and how book backers can get their grubby hands on the book on July 3rd while others wait for their postman to unload his sack.

We also chat about our upcoming live podcast on May 31st, on stage in Rik's home town of Droitwich as part of the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, where we will be joined by a VERY special guest; Bottom director and producer Ed Bye!

We also chat about our upcoming series based around Rik Mayall's most iconic and best-loved characters.

The book Talking Bottom: A guide to The Cult Sitcom can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Slapstick Festival

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0200

Talking Bottom returns with a visit to the 2025 Slapstick Festival in Bristol, where Ange and Mat attended "That's Really Heavy, Man: The Comic Incarnations of Nigel Planer" (Nigel Planer in Conversation with Robin Ince) and "Rik! The Anarchic Genius of Rik Mayall" (Ben Elton and Nigel Planer, chaired by Robin Ince).

The pair regale Paul with stories from the talks about Nigel's career before, during and after The Young Ones, the U.S. Young Ones pilot that may finally see the light of day, Ben's early memories of Rik at Uni and as they started working together, and the love and affection the world still has for Rik.

We'll talk about the book in next week's ep! Ooh, speaking of which; The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Bottom: Exposed

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:00:00 +0200

Finally, a documentary about Bottom! A look at Bottom: Exposed - a fantastic retrospective of Bottom on UKTV channel Gold. The doc features contributions from load of people who worked on the sitcom, including Ade himself!

We discuss the stories and facts unearthed by the programme, and how we came to pop up on it ourselves!

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Peter Richardson interview - The Comic Strip Presents...

Fri, 12 May 2023 01:05:00 +0200

Our guest for this very special episode is a titan of entertainment and one of the key figures in the rise of alternative comedy in the UK. He's an actor, director, writer and comedian who created The Comic Strip and is the man behind The Comic Strip Presents... series of shows and films that currently total 5 films and 42 episodes including Bad News, Mr Jolly Lives Next Door, A Fistful of Travellers Cheques, The Bullshitters, Four Men in A Car and The Hunt for Tony Blair. It's Peter Richardson!

Peter will be at the London BFI this month on 19th and 21st May for a series of screenings of The Strike, GLC: The Carnage Continues, Bad News Tour and Churchill: The Hollywood Years, plus Q&A's with some very special guests. In our interview, he chats about his favourite Comic Strip Presents episodes, scripts he still hopes to make, Rik and Ade's performances, meeting Rik, Ade and Nigel Planer, how he started in comedy, balancing acting with directing, guerilla filming, meeting Steve Martin, his favourite directors, his favourite character, TV commissioners and not being Mike in The Young Ones.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

"Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom" can be pre-ordered here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Helen Lederer Interview (It‘s Lady Natasha Letitia Sarah Jane Wellesley Obstromsky Ponsonsky Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Oblomov Boblomov Dob!)

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 01:01:00 +0100

This weeks guest is the First Lady of Bottom. She's a comedian, author and actor who was part of the Comedy Store scene and whose credits include The Young Ones, Absolutely Fabulous, Saturday Live, Girls on Top, One Foot in the Grave, Naked Video and Happy Families.

But Bottom fans know her best as Moldovan Princess Lady Natasha Letitia Sarah Jane Wellesley Obstromsky Ponsonsky Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Oblomov Boblomov Dob. It's Helen Lederer!

Helen tells us about her early years getting into acting and standup, working as a social worker, feeling like an outsider on the alternative comedy scene, seeing The Dangerous Brothers, attitudes to comedy material changing, modern comedy, working as a writer, battling sexism, running Comedy Women in Print and her appearances on Bottom both as a harrangued Nurse AND as the Third Viscountess of Moldovia who very nearly takes Richie's cherry.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Mark Searby interview

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 01:01:00 +0100

This weeks guest quite literally wrote the book on Rik Mayall. He's a journalist, writer, film critic and broadcaster who's worked for Heat, Entertainment Focus, New Empress Film Magazine, Screenjabber and BBC Suffolk. He's the author of biography "Rik Mayall: Comedy Genius"... It's Mark Searby!

We discuss stories from Rik's life that Mark discovered while writing the book, how much work went into it, Rik's place in comedy history, unheard Bottom trivia, Rik filming Drop Dead Fred, seeing secret recordings of Rik's early stand up and which Rik roles Al Pacino should try playing.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

Mark's book can be ordered here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rik-Mayall-Comedy-Mark-Searby/dp/0995793123

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Grenville Horner interview

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 02:30:23 +0100

Imagine being able to literally create the world that Richie and Eddie inhabit. This week's guest has done just that, working as a Production Designer on series 3 of Bottom, plus on The League of Gentlemen, French and Saunders, Spiceworld, Episodes, Rev, A Bit of Fry and Laurie, Roland Rat, Fat Slags and The End of the F***ing World. It's Grenville Horner!

Emmy winner Grenville shares how he started in the industry, working on series 3 of Bottom including creating the legendary cattle prod and ferris wheel, recreating Richie and Eddie's flat, photographing Hammersmith, being a pop star, faxing Stephen Fry and creating the look of Royston Vasey, for which he won a Royal Television Society Award.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Jessica Mann interview

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 01:00:00 +0100

Many of us grew up watching Rik and Ade's work. For many of us it was George's Marvellous Medicine and Bottom, for others The Dangerous Brothers and The Young Ones. But this week's guest got to grow up - for the duration of filming anyway - whilst working with Rik and Ade on the film Guest House Paradiso aged 9.

She's an actress with a CV including Cider with Rosie, The Gathering, Casualty, Los Dos Bros, Magic Grandad and the role of Charlene Nice, a member of the family that checks into Guest House Paradiso expecting a nice relaxing holiday and instead gets violently vomitingly sick. It's Jessica Mann!

Jessica discusses how she got started acting, auditioning for Guest House Paradiso, working with Rik, Ade and Simon Pegg, the fate of her body cast, drama vs comedy, missing the GHP premiere while in a Mcdonalds and exploding vomit tanks.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Jon Plowman interview

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Matt Lucas calls him "the Godfather of TV comedy" and he's certainly got one of the most impressive CV's in the industry. Since joining the BBC in 1980, he's been instrumental in producing the very best of British sketch comedy including A Bit of Fry and Laurie, Smith and Jones, French and Saunders, This Morning with Richard Not Judy, Little Britain and The League of Gentlemen. As a head honcho at the Beeb, he brought The Vicar of Dibley, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Goodness Gracious Me, Absolutely Fabulous, The Thick of It and The Office to our screens. He also produced (and had a small role in) series 3 of Bottom. It's Jon Plowman!

Over Plowman's lunch, Jon tells us about how he started in the industry, his time winging it as a reporter, having his arm broken by Rik Mayall in Texas, accidentally destroying pianos live on Wogan, warming up audiences, working with French and Saunders, being directed by Mel Smith, taking over producing duties on Bottom series 3, working with Rik and Ade, clowning and cartoon violence, building ferris wheels in studios, working with Jon Stewart in America, turning down Sacha Baron Cohen, commissioning The Office, comedy vs drama and bringing Ab Fab to TV.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Lisa Maxwell interview (It‘s Lily Lineker!)

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 01:05:00 +0200

We've inputted the data for this weeks guest and while her character in Bottom is a bit raggy round the edges, in real life she's an absolute cracker. She's a stage, screen and comedy veteren who's appeared in The Dark Crystal, In Deep, The Bill, The Russ Abbot and Les Dennis shows and at 27 landed her own prime time BBC1 sketch show. It's our favourite love bureau matchmaker Lily Lineker herself; it's Lisa Maxwell!

Lisa discusses her training at Italia Conte and entry into entertainment, alternative comedy, auditioning for and losing out on the role of Daphne in Frasier, sketches vs sitcoms, working with Rik and Ade, Lily Linekar's life outside of the Bureau, studio recordings, helpful repeat fees, having "A wazzo pair of jugs" quoted at her, Bottom's enduring popularity and starring in The Bill (and hearing the "vomiting blood" line!).

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

The Favourites

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +0200

To round off this special 30th anniversary series, we take a look at the moments that make the show special to you. Using the 100% scientific method of asking people on social media, we delve into the fans favourite series, episodes, lines, moments and characters. Oh god, there's so much to choose from!

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Mark Young interview

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 01:10:00 +0200

To accompany our episode on Waiting for Godot, we chat with Mark Young, a photographer who, in 1991 photographed Rik Mayall, Ade Edmonsdon and Christopher Ryan during their run of the show at the Queen's theatre, London.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Roger Sloman interview

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 01:05:00 +0200

"Ello Boys!" Talking Bottom's guest this week is a veteran of stage and screen, recognisable from The Young Ones, Kevin Turvey, Blackadder, Cracker, Nuts in May, Eastenders and Inside Number 9. To us he will always be Hammermith's own Rachman, fuming at spending money on his mother's cremation, Richie and Eddie's landlord Mr Harrison. It's Roger Sloman!

Roger discusses how he got into acting, his work on Kevin Turvey and The Young Ones, how his role in Bottom came about, working with Rik and Ade, Nuts in May, acting styles, comb overs, dodgy landlords, fainting on stage, working as a character actor and modern comedy.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S4E6 - Waiting for Godot & The Human Condition

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +0200

Wanky analysis alert! Ok, actually Bottom has had numerous comparisons to Waiting for Godot over the years. Rik and Ade performed the play at uni and then more famously starred in a 1991 run in the West End at the same time Bottom debuted on TV. So, like A' Level students, here's our ill-informed attempt to "compare and contrast".

Angela, Paul and Mat discuss the history of Waiting for Godot, its different interpretations, the Emperor's new clothes, bewildered actors and how even the writer didn't know what it meant, profound University experiences, Rik and Ade's run of the show in the West End, comparisons to Bottom, dramatic dialogue, other comedies that reference Godot and the torture and boredom of just... waiting.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Kevin McNally interview (it‘s Mr Sex!)

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 01:05:00 +0200

"Very droll sir, I've never heard that one before." One of the UK's busiest and best character actors sits down with Talking Bottom. This gent has not only embodied Tony Hancock and Captain Mainwaring but also starred in all of the Pirates of the Carribbean films. Bottom fans of course know him best as the man who supplies men of science with pheremone sex spray... It's Kevin McNally!

Kevin tells us about his early career, getting into alternative comedy, working on The New Statesman, having very particular lines involving pineapples quoted to him, watching Rik and Ade record the closing credits dance, enjoying Bottom as a fan, venturing into real sex shops, physical comedy, working with Galton and Simpson, playing Tony Hancock, Captain Mainwaring and Tory politicians, working as a character actor AND he reacts to hearing the original ending to Smells that featured Mr Sex!

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S4E5 - Base Needs

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 01:03:00 +0200

Richie and Eddie's end goal in life is the gratification of their base needs and carnal desires. What they want more than anything is a slap up grill, a lock in at the Lamb and Flag and shaggy shaggy shag with acres and acres of ladies...

Paul, Mat and Angela discuss Maslow's Hierachy of Needs (yes, really), Richie and Eddie's perversions, virgins, incels, sophomoric humour, the female comedy fan perspective, a breakdown of what drives each Bottom episode and a diversion into Red Dwarf.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Robert Llewellyn interview

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 01:05:00 +0200

"I took Harrison's Point single handed." Talking Bottom chats with The Falkland's most famous veteran. He's a comedian, actor, writer, presenter, champion of green energy, Red Dwarf's series 4000 mechanoid Kryten and most importantly; Mr N. Stiles, the man who smashed Richie's face in while legless on a bar stool. It's Robert Llewellyn!

Robert talks about his early career in alternative comedy with theatre group The Joeys, living in squats, the rise of alternative comedy, getting headhunted for Red Dwarf, shooting one of Bottom's best episodes, what became of his Bottom character, physical comedy, bumping into other sitcom stars at BBC Acton rehearsal studios, renewable energy and his web series Carpool.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S4E4 - A Dark and Gross Universe

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +0200

Richie and Eddie's Hammersmith is a unique world not only in comedy, but all of fiction. Where else are dogs served up in kebabs, amputees prosthetic legs stolen and the annual riot sees both the police and the local schoolkids participate?

Mat, Paul and Angela discuss fictional universes, the uniquely named characters of Bottom, comparisons to Dickensian London, other sitcoms, a reading from a mystery book, the League of Gentlemen and encountering a fresh turd in ON a toilet seat in a Wetherspoons.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Lee Cornes interview (it‘s Dick Head!)

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 01:05:00 +0200

What - and I'll repeat that - what a guest we have this week! "No, don't laugh." Well, actually do, because this gent was a lynchpin in the alternative comedy and scene and has appeared in more of our favourite comedies than he's served Pernods in The Lamb and Flag. He's been in (amongst LOADS of other stuff) Filthy, Rich and Catflap, Toast of London, The Comic Strip Presents (as Arch Crippledick), French and Saunders, three series of Blackadder, two episodes of The Young Ones and was Paranoia in Red Dwarf. It's Lee Cornes!

Lee tells us about how he got into comedy and his days at the very beginning of the Comedy Store, being described as "the Comedian's Comedian" by Sean Lock, getting stark bollock naked on stage, seeing Rik and Ade for the first time, being the warm act at the recordings of The Young Ones, studio stunts, teaching (for real and in Grange Hill), Blackadder and of course playing Hammersmith's best pub landlord, the legendary Dick Head.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S4E3 - The Costumes

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +0200

The costumes of Bottom are such an important part of the show's identity. All fans recognise Eddie's hat and glasses and Richie's voluminous pants and belt pulled up too high. Plus of course... Halloween.

Angela, Paul and Mat talk about costume making character, specially making clothes, how costume shows social status (class again? We did that last week!), going to fancy dress parties as a talking Halloween banana and a devil (in either pre-shitted or post-shitted tights), what the supporting characters wear and how costume can make sitcoms feel timeless.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Paul Jackson interview part 2

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 01:05:00 +0200

Talking Bottom's interview with TV titan Paul Jackson continues as he discusses making Filthy, Rich and Catflap, seeing Rik and Ade in Waiting for Godot, slapstick, working with writers, special effects in sitcoms, producing TV in the US and Australia, working with Ant and Dec, chairing Comic Relief, the American remake of The Young Ones, Heil Honey I'm Home!, pathos in comedy, the current lack of political satire and being thanked by Rik on stage at Exeter Uni,

Plus of course lots about Bottom including its genesis, Alan Yentob wanting the title changed, how the Bottom pilot episode came about, seeing it recorded, the live shows and Guest House Paradiso.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Paul Jackson interview part 1

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 01:05:00 +0200

Talking Bottom is thrilled to be joined by legend of British comedy, Paul Jackson. He brought alternative comedy to the masses and was the man who got The Young Ones on TV (which he also directed), changing the face of sitcoms forever. Amongst working on a plethora of great shows he also gave us Filthy, Rich and Catflap, Red Dwarf and the pilot episode of Bottom.

In part 1, Paul chats about his entry into TV and his early years rising to become a producer, his comedy influences, working with the Two Ronnies and on Steptoe and Son, meeting Rik and Ade, Boom Boom Out Go The Lights, writing, comic duos, throwing himself into puddles, bringing The Young Ones to TV and a treasure trove of stories about it.

The inteview continues in part 2.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S4E2 - Class and Poverty

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 01:00:00 +0200

Three media twats pontificate on class in sitcoms and the importance of it and poverty in Bottom. Paul, Mat and Angela talk about the classifications of class, sitcoms and sketches where class plays an important part. They cover Richie and Eddie's place in society, possible history and education.

Numerous other sitcoms are discussed including Only Fools and Horses, Red Dwarf and Gavin and Stacy, plus shooting multi camera format vs single camera. Also, feminist chat!

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Mark Lambert interview (IT‘S THE GAS MAN!!!)

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:10:00 +0200

HELLO MR GAS MAN! Talking Bottom prepares the steaming cold tea for a very special guest. Olivier award nominated veteren of stage and screen, Mark Lambert brings his frying pan and joins us for a chat. He tells all about his career, early days at Uni with Rik, working as a character actor, plummeting from a building in Cracker, having "Gas Man" yelled at him and of course, his role as quite possibly Bottom's most memorable guest star.

The conversation took place over Zoom so please forgive the occasional connection drop out.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S4E1 - Physical Comedy

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:05:00 +0200

30 years ago today Bottom expolded onto British TV! To celebrate three decades of the world's best sitcom we are looking at some of the themes that make the show what it is. That's right, we're over-analysing it to fuck!

First up is physical comedy. Mat, Paul and Angela discuss its history, evolution, rules, legends and international appeal. We look at examples in British comedy and, of course many moments in Bottom and Rik and Ade's other work.

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Bottom Live 5 - 2003: Weapon Grade Y-Fronts Tour

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 01:05:00 +0200

In the final live show, Eddie's locked himself away in the toilet and Richie finds he's been inventing gadgets. The pair embark on an adventure through time and space on-board Eddie's time machine "The Turdis" which is a toilet cubicle.

Angela, Paul and Mat discuss plot holes, crowdpleasing, repurposing old material, absurdist humour, the Only Fools and Horses musical and dad jokes. Plus the final Talking Bottom quiz!

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Bottom Live 4 - 2001: An Arse Oddity

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 03:52:39 +0200

Richie and Eddie are back and still on the desert island. Searching for a means to escape, their desire to reach the theatre bar blurs the lines between fiction and reality as things get very meta and everything builds to a musical finale.

Paul, Mat and Angela discuss long synopses, "have a wank", pervy silhouettes, nob gags, meta performances, deliberate fuckups, DVD features, TV references, local jokes and musical numbers. Plus some incredibly detailed knowledge is required in the Talking Bottom quiz!

The book "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom" can be found to order at: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

100%... inside a y̶e̶a̶r week! Talking Bottom book FUNDED

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:18:49 +0200

Oh God, oh God... this is real. In less time than it takes to read up to chapter one, sentence three in War and Peace, we have hit the funding target! Thank you to everyone who has backed the book and get to soddery everyone who hasn't. It's not too late to get your name in it and some additional t̶a̶t goodies at https://unbound.com/books/bottom/

Right, we're off down the Maserati showroom.

Book available HERE: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Talking Bottom book update: 75% funded. Splice my sausages!

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 08:30:00 +0200

At this rate it's going to be longer than War and Peace and with more pics than The Joy of Sex! Thank you to everyone who's resisted the temptation to take their cash to Dr O'Grady's Personal Organ Enhancement Clinic and instead backed the book. You'll get far more long-term enjoyment with this investment (not actual investment advice).

Book available HERE: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Talking Bottom Book 50% funded! Wait until Norris Mcwhirter hears about this!

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 19:59:29 +0200

And on the second day, the Lord said "let the book reach fifty ruddy percent funding already!" And then He backed the top tier that guaranteed Him a SIGNED first edition paperback of "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom", a Lamb and Flag pub menu tea towel, a t-shirt, a mug, an invite to the pub crawl, an ebook AND his name printed in the book as a supporter. And then He had a wangle.

Ta muchly to all you top Bottom fans getting us this far. If you're after a gift for the comedy fan in your life, check out what's available with the book here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Talking Bottom Book update: 25% funded already!!

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:43:43 +0200

We didn't think we'd be posting this after ONE DAY! Thank you so much to everyone who has backed the book already on Unbound and started snapping up the exta goodies available. You've got us to 25% funded already, which is a fantastic start and we're sure it's all downhill from here. Check out https://t.co/G677or4Xgw to find out more about the book, how to support it and what else is available.

Right, we'd better pull our fingers out and get writing "Talking Bottom: A guide to the cult sitcom".

Talking Bottom the BOOK (a guide to the cult sitcom)

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:09:04 +0200

All right Dickens, get on with it! We're proud to announce that we've been commissioned to write a book about Rik and Ade's best ever sitcom - Bottom. It'll be a chance for us to expand on what we've learned during our podcast in order to create the first ever unofficial guide book to the show, delving even deeper into Bottom (oo-er) and chatting with the cast and crew, looking at first draft scripts and previously unseen photographs as well as essays on each episode.

First, though, we're crowdfunding via the publisher Unbound to make it a reality. Details at link below - pledge if you can and you'll get your name in the book and a nice bit of Talking Bottom objet d'arte in return if you choose some merch AND there's a chance to grab yourself an invite to a Hammersmith pub crawl (with all the lads on the Ark Royal) when we launch the book! Thanks for reading / pledging your support if you can. Please share to spread the word. https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Guest House Paradiso

Fri, 22 May 2020 01:05:00 +0200

Rik and Ade finally bring Bottom to the big screen, playing Richard "Richie" Thwaite (pronounced Twat) and Edward "Eddie" Elizabeth Ndingombaba (in other words it's Richard Richard and Eddie Hitler), who run the Guest House Paradiso - the worst hotel in the world. Excitement arrives in the form of Italian movie star Gina Carbonara, seeking refuge from her ill-tempered fiance Gino Bolognese. As Richie and Eddie do their best to keep the place running, their proximity to a nuclear power plant means tonight's fish dinner is going to repeat on the guests.

Mat, Paul and Angela dribble on about the Bottom universe, BBC rights, cinema viewings, fake vomit, filming stunts in reverse, saucy nymphs and happy endings. Plus a look at the original publicity materials released by the film distributor at the time, and of course the Talking Bottom quiz!

The Guest House Paradiso behind the scenes vid we talk about can be watched here: https://youtu.be/qIH3ck-qSXc

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Bottom Live 3: Hooligans Island

Fri, 15 May 2020 01:05:00 +0200

Richie and Eddie have been on a desert island for three years, following an ecstasy binge and a turn on a cruise liner as "The Great Arsehole and Norman", a job procured for them by theatrical impresario Sir "Pervy" Leslie McBlowjob. Now Eddie's on the Sake and Richie's got a load of shit up his back. Now they just have to deal with Cannibals, food poisoning and a massive French nuclear bomb.

Angela, Paul and Mat discuss the fourth series of Bottom that never happened, Rik and Ade's set design, scripted fluffs, the squits, love albatrosses, wank biscuits, stage violence, Angus Deayton's autocue and 90's TV references. Plus some fiendishly difficult questions with the Talking Bottom Quiz!

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Bottom Live: The Big Number 2 Tour

Fri, 08 May 2020 01:05:00 +0200

"Have a wank!" Bottom tours the UK once more, filming Rik and Ade's performances at the Apollo Theatre Oxford. This time Richie and Eddie are planning on meeting the Queen when her procession traverses Mafeking Parade. But a combination of getting their todgers out and a massive explosion sees them banged up and sentenced to 350 years in jail. Now they must evade Geoffrey Nasty the Psychopathic Penis-Remover's boss, Horace Big (who is built like a donkey AND has a really enormous knob) long enough to escape prison and make it to tea with Her Majesty the Quim.

Paul, Mat and Angela ramble about Anne and Nick, great watch gags, pretend fluffs, the Queen's lavatory, being blocked by the Samaritans, Charles Aznavour, puns, gas, the play Cell Mates and Her Maj's Vag. Plus an absolute routing in the Talking Bottom Quiz!

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Series 3 round up

Fri, 01 May 2020 04:49:12 +0200

Ok we're actually back really this time, look I haven't got my fingers crossed or anything. Talking Bottom returns with the season 3 round up!

Mat, Paul and Angela talk about what they've discovered about the show, Jiffy condoms, humourous riots, Mafeking, people's reaction to the podcast and the passion many have for the final series.

We're back with a shorter series from next week while the world hunkers down.

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

April Fools Episode - Catastrophe

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0200

Bonk! April Fools! Sorry... this was a wind up. There are, sadly, no series 4 episodes knocking about the place.

Richie and Eddie return via unusual and messy means, finding the flat in disgusting condition and the toilet still blocked with Eddie's medical experiment. A visit to the Lamb and Flag sets them right and they quickly alight on a money making scheme to keep their new landlord off their backs. But Richie's family history soon comes back to haunt him with Eddie proposing only one solution; drink.

Angela, Paul and Mat return to discuss the legendary series four episode that Rik and Ade shot but was never broadcast, the other series four scripts, cheating death,BBC commissioning processes, the ever changing layout of Hammersmith, Rik and Ade's other work in the noughties and the weight of Malibu. Plus the Talking Bottom quiz returns with ever more fiendish questions.

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S3E6 - Carnival

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 01:05:00 +0100

It's the annual carnival/riot and all of Hammersmith is ablaze. Richie and Eddie use the distraction to nip out and steal a king's ransom of Malibu and a BBC TV camera. Richie has a plan: use the camera to achieve fame and fortune, first as a daytime chat show host but soon deciding that some hilarious video accidents will pry some cash out of Beeeadle. But a discovery of a nudie sex tape of the Prime Minister means a new blackmail opportunity: sandWICHES!

Paul, Mat and Angela bollock on about riots, Aswad, Eddie's sexual fantasies, Richie's TARDIS trousers, home video shows, fire stunts, 90's politicians and the BBC announcing a 4th series of Bottom. Plus the series concludes with... The Talking Bottom Quiz!

Talking Bottom will return soon with a series 3 round up, an ep on Guest House Paradiso and ones on the live shows.

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S3E5 - Finger

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 01:05:00 +0100

Richie and Eddie acquire psychopathic Welshman Cannonball Taffy O’Jones’ car keys following a cricket match playing for the Shepherd’s Bush Spudulike Irregulars (second eleven). This is their chance to steal his honeymoon weekend and see how much booze they can put away at the Marveloso Splendido Hotelo. There’s only one drawback - they have to pose as a newly married couple.

Mat, Paul and Angela mull over British holidays, odd title choices, swanky posh hotel names, nazi-based sitcoms, Richie and Eddie as a married couple and getting kicked in the bollocks. Plus; the Talking Bottom quiz!

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S3E4 - Dough

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 01:05:00 +0100

Eddie has been holed up in his room for days and Richie has nearly wanked himself blind through boredom. But the fruits of Eddie's labours are worth it: he's been forging money. With Spudgun and Hedgehog in tow they head to the Lamb and Flag to test out the pornagraphic doodles, soon finding themselves in the firing line of forger Skullcrusher Henderson. There's only one solution: enter the pub quiz and cheat!

Angela, Paul and Mat talk about Richie's reading habits, Star Wars actor Mark Hamill loving Bottom, crotches on fire, drinking pernod and re-using condoms. Plus: the fiendishly difficult Talking Bottom quiz!

Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S3E3 - Break

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 01:05:00 +0100

Richie and Eddie are planning their holiday to sunny Doncaster - all Richie has to do is lose a shitload of weight. Luckily they got a Luftwaffe book of exercises and a vacuum cleaner for some DIY liposuction so Richie can fit snugly into his thong. Soon, Eddie is legless - first thanks to a chainsaw wielded by Richie and later because he's in the pube with the holiday monkey. Will they build up enough strength to lift the fridge off the floor and get a look at Des Lynam's todger?

Paul, Mat and Angela discuss iTunes screeners, alternative takes, drinking the contents of the drip tray, cartoon violence, shaky sets and musical stings. Plus: the Talking Bottom Quiz!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom is available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S3E2 - Terror

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:05:00 +0100

Trick or ruddy treat! It's Halloween and for Richie and Eddie this means an opportunity to don fancy dress and make some cash (no sweets) to fund a party. But they can't even keep their meagre haul of apples with razor blades in due to the local kids robbing and kicking the shit out of them, and a faulty cattle prod soon means Richie is down to his last pair of tights. But things look up as the party gets into full swing complete with homebrew, exploding carrots, sprouts mexicane and an attempt at raising the devil in exchange for an eternity of shagging.

Mat, Paul and Angela ruminate on Halloween costumes, child actors, double entrendres, which Bottom series fans fall in love with, and how a man with kids can possibly be a virgin. Plus: the Talking Bottom quiz Halloween edition!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom is available here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S3E1 - Hole

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 01:05:00 +0200

Richie and Eddie are back and have reached their three quid limit with a ride on the tallest ferris wheel in western Europe. But they've been annoying, vomiting on and stealing the clothes of the other fairground users and soon find themselves trapped 350 feet in the air with hardly any booze left and the ride scheduled to be blown up in the morning. Can they attract attention and make it to the other side of this one? Heck, maybe even raise some kids?

Angela, Paul and Mat discuss Bottom returning after three years off the TV with a stage show in between, the relative qualities of the differing series, Richie and Eddie's families, reincarnation, cheating fate and Richie's phenomenal upper body strength. And the Talking Bottom quiz returns with nightmare questions due to this being an episode set entirely in a ferris wheel carriage!

Here is the clip from the 1993 British Comedy Awards we talk about at the end, where Richard Wilson fumes while Rik wins best comedy actor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-WezUT1Y4c

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Series 2 round up

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 01:05:00 +0200

With series 3 starting next week, Talking Bottom takes a look back at series 2; what we learned, emails from listeners and reflecting on our interview with the legend Ed Bye. Plus several non-series 2 discoveries including why Richie's belt misses his front trouser loop and a reading from the original script for the episode Apocalypse, complete with its original title!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Ed Bye interview

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 01:05:00 +0200

Talking Bottom is honoured to be joined by the legendary Ed Bye, no less than the director and producer of Bottom series 1 & 2! His CV reads like the cream of British comedy, with credits including The Young Ones, Filthy, Rich and Catflap, The Full Wax, The Detectives, Kevin and Perry Go Large, Canned Carrot, Lenny Henry in Pieces, The Vicar of Dibley, Not Going Out, My Family, Absolutely Fabulous, French and Saunders and 40 (forty!) episodes of Red Dwarf.

We probe Ed about, amongst many other things, his journey into the world of TV and light entertainment, his first impressions of Rik and Ade, the genesis of Bottom and its production from the pilot through the series, avoiding BBC censorship, studio filming, fight choreography and injuries, sound effects and special effects, modern British comedy, losing Rik and a first hand account of how Bottom's opening credits came about.

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Bottom Live - The Stage Show

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 01:05:00 +0200

"Fucking hell... a line from the play!" Rik and Ade take the behemouth that is Bottom around the country, performing on stage to packed-out audiences. Cameras recorded their show at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and the result was this record-selling performance on VHS. Yes, VHS! Remember those? For 100 minutes Richie and Eddie bicker, fight, knock out teeth, forget lines, argue with the audience, seduce blow up dolls, dial phones incredibly fortuitously, cut off penises with hacksaws and get electrocuted.

Paul, Mat and Angela discuss Rik and Ade's car crash interview on Going Live, vox pops with fans, the longest synopsis in the world, theatre vs TV, 90's references, deliberate bloopers and sex dolls. Plus the Talking Bottom Live quiz!

Here's a link to the Going Live interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsABbuFCAXE&

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S2E6 - 's Out

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 01:05:00 +0100

Series two concludes with the episode that didn't screen in the UK until several years after it was made. Richie and Eddie lose a bet and find themselves roughing it for a week in deepest darkest Wimbledon Common with just a tin opener, a packet of chocolate hob nobs and a World Ranger Storm Buster IV Tent to keep them alive. Luckily, nature provides all they could need: a fresh water supply with delicious fish, dog shit everywhere the eye can see and a particularly keen flasher. Soon, hunger overtakes them both and there's only one thing for it - Womble hunting.

Mat, Paul and Angela discuss comparisons with Rik and Ade's work and Samuel Beckett's plays, shooting in TV studios, the delay in transmission for the episode, annoying campers, Eddie's girlfriends, breaking the 4th wall, Richie and Eddie as kids playing dress up and flashers. Plus, the Talking Bottom quiz brings the series to a close with the most fiendish questions yet!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S2E5 - Holy

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:05:00 +0100

MERRY BLOODY CHRISTMAS! It's the season of goodwill and peace on Earth in 11 Mafeking Parade. Naturally, Eddie has left a series of booby traps out for Richie, who starts the day masquerading as Santa Claus in order to get at the sherry. Before you can say "half past eight and all's crap", Richie severs his finger preparing the food while Eddie decorates the flat. With the arrival of Spudgun and Dave Hedgehog and the incineration of the turkey, potatoes and Christmas pudding, it's time for traditional Christmas games such as everyone choosing Goldfinger for charades. But the arrival of the son of God soons upends their plans - thankfully Richie takes things in his stride as he relishes being the mother of the new Messiah.

Angela, Paul and Mat festively ruminate on booby traps, slaptick violence, deleted scenes, shit Christmas presents, fake turkeys, puns and double entendres, Jonathan Ross and terrible visual effects. And jingle balls ready for the Talking Bottom Christmas quiz!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S2E4 - Parade

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 00:05:00 +0100

After a busy morning scamming the police for eight quid each, Richie and Eddie retire to The Lamb and Flag, where they are able to swindle free drinks by pretending to be Health and Safety Inspectors. Soon, Richie's fictional war stories get him in trouble with a genuine Falklands war veteran, but his severe beating is interrupted by drunk bookie Tight Mouth Larry spilling not only his guts but the name of a dead cert in the 3.30 at Chepstow. Now the residents of Hammersmith just need to acquire as much cash as possible to put on the stallion guaranteed to romp home; Sad Ken.

Paul, Mat and Angela discuss Richie and Eddie in society, money making schemes, the Falklands and politics in the show, Kryten from Red Dwarf and what a RD/Bottom crossover would entail, the guest stars and their terrible crimes, Richie's lies, editing out songs sung by characters, footballers names and police drubbings. Plus; fingers on sphincters for the Talking Bottom quiz!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S2E3 - Burglary

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 00:05:00 +0100

Richie's planned evening with scrabble and a fish supper start badly when Eddie spends the dinner money getting drunk on Old Spice, then gets worse when 11 Mafeking Parade is burgled. Managing to take the thief prisoner, they soon find themselves in possession of a large amount of valuable swag - this could finally be their chance to live the high life in the Bahamas. But what to do with the burglar? There's only one solution: murder him.

Mat, Angela and Paul talk murder, Live and Kicking, the copyright status of "Do Your Balls Hang Low?", Chesterfield, and Nigel from Eastenders. Also; the best trick question the Talking Bottom quiz has ever seen!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S2E2 - Culture

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 00:05:00 +0100

After falling behind with the rent for the TV due to Eddie purchasing some magic beans and Richie squandering the cash on a trip to Doctor O'Grady's Personal Organ Enhancement Clinic, the pair wallow in the depths of boredom with crosswords, a custardy pants tournament and Put a Bit of Sellotape on the Fridge. Inspiration strikes and an evening of chess with improvised pieces, Esther Rantzen cocktails and smoking jackets turns into an all nighter finishing off the industrial strength floor cleaner and Richie being taught the rules of chess 124 times. Eventually, the game must begin - there's only one thing for it: Attack, attack attack.

Angela, Paul and Mat ruminate on crosswords, replacement chess pieces, mountain gorilla organs and the time they tried actual Esther Rantzen cocktails at a Rik Mayall memorial convention. Plus - the Talking Bottom quiz!

Here's the link to the chess fight rehearsal video we mention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c26ggjpMGw

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S2E1 - Digger

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 00:05:00 +0100

Talking Bottom returns with Richie devising the perfect way to get his end away and marry into royalty - joining a dating agency and getting matched with a Moldavian Viscountess by the name of Lady Natasha Letitia Sarah Jane Wellesley Obstromsky Ponsonsky Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Oblomov Boblomov Dob, played by the wonderful Helen Lederer. Eddie takes the role of butler for the evening and prepares a dinner of squashed potatoes and caviar. But the stakes are high as the evening has been funded by selling Richie's kidney.

Paul, Mat and Angela talk dating agencies, smashing blouses, live studio recording, equal opportunity violence and sex mo's. Plus the Talking Bottom quiz is back with the toughest questions yet!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

Series 1 round up

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 00:05:00 +0100

With series 2 starting next week, Talking Bottom takes a quick look back at series 1; the reaction to the show, what we learned and confirmation of Steptoe and Son as an influence. Plus Angela reveals the answer to the question of if a Young Ones reunion in Bottom was ever intended - having asked Ade Edmondson directly!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S1E6 - Accident

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 01:05:00 +0200

Talking Bottom reaches the end of the first series with Richie’s birthday episode. Comrade Richie is another year older and excited about his impending party. Eddie’s gift of a red hot tip pays off and ensures enough booze for the thousands of birds anticipated to attend. Unfortunately, a freak accident leaves Richie’s leg in plaster and wheelchair bound. Luckily Eddie’s pals Spudgun and Dave Hedgehog are on hand to join in with a game of sardines and get through the Emmerdale Farm compilation. Wait until Norris McWhirter hears about it!

Mat, Angela and Paul talk birthdays, enemas, prostitute horses, penis spudguns, the Singing Detective and muse on the possibility of an intended Young Ones reunion in Bottom that never happened. Plus, the most controversial Talking Bottom quiz to date!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S1E5 - s'up

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 01:22:22 +0200

Eddie’s Sunday afternoon watching Big Jugs is scuppered when Mr Harrison the landlord appears, needing cover for the shop downstairs as his stupid mother has selfishly died. Richie jumps at the chance for some power and a white coat while Eddie can’t wait to get stuck into the snacks. But a series of difficult customers persuades the lads to skive off to the roof to watch the cricket; a flawless plan just so long as Richie’s rain dance doesn’t work and the thieving locals don’t notice the shop is now unattended.

Angela, Paul and Mat look at Richie’s patriotism, watching porn with your mates and what Ethel Cardew would be like if we met her. Plus an attempt to work out who actually owns 11 Mafeking Parade and fingers on sphincters for the Talking Bottom quiz!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S1E4 – Apocalypse

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 01:15:09 +0200

“Thieving bastard ***os!” Yes it’s the one with THAT dub! Richie’s plan to con his auntie out of some much needed cash takes a turn when the old bag dies, leaving him £600. A celebratory trip with Eddie to the funfair results in them blinding a Carni and a curse being bestowed upon Sir Richard Richard VC; he’ll be dead in three days. Can Richie survive that long without visiting the lav? Who ate the Taiwanese ranch style jumbo fishburgers? And what time is Neighbours on?

Paul, Mat and Angela go over the “yobbo” edit, at what age can someone still be an orphan and dropping a piano in a TV studio. Plus a surprise discovery of some additional dialogue that never made it to broadcast and the Talking Bottom quiz is back on topic after last week’s controversy!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S1E3 - Contest

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 01:12:18 +0200

Richie’s got a great plan to guilt trip his best friend into buying him a drink; a suicide attempt. But Eddie’s spent all his savings on some vintage porn and a bet on Miss World. If only they can last the evening without beating each other up or destroying the TV.

Mat, Angela and Paul discuss the episode shot as the pilot before the rest of the series and muse on Eddie and Richie’s relationship and how they may have originally met. Plus: a reading of some deleted dialogue from the original script and the Talking Bottom quiz featuring the hardest questions so far!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S1E2 – Gas

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 01:12:00 +0200

GAS MAN! GAS MAN! GAS MAN!

Talking Bottom delves into what could be the show’s most famous episode, where Richie and Eddie hatch a fiendish scheme to keep warm in snowy Hammersmith; but the Gas Man may be about to rumble them – resulting in a trip next door to see their friendly neighbour Mr Rottweiler. What could possibly go wrong?

Angela, Paul and Mat discuss stealing gas, cartoon violence, sound effects, Richie’s mania, Mafeking Parade’s odd door number system and wonder what position Rottweiler and his girlfriend where actually in. Also; fart buzzers at the ready for the Talking Bottom quiz!

The "Americans watching Bottom" vid we refer to can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_JNdv8esY&t=13s

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw

S1E1 - Smells

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 00:25:00 +0200

Two blokes and a bird celebrate the episode that introduced the world to Richie and Eddie - two sad losers on the fringe of society who are desperate for booze, women and cash.

Paul, Mat and Angela compare the show to Rik and Ade's previous work, discuss what makes the show so special and talk a load of bollocks. Plus: the Talking Bottom quiz!

The book Talking Bottom: A Guide to The Cult Sitcom available is here: https://t.co/G677or4Xgw