Adrian Edmondson

Bottom box set review

Unfairly labelled juvenile and tasteless, Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson's flatshare comedy was one of the last sitcoms to boast political insight with the power to make you laugh uncontrollably.

When almost anyone who's had their 15 minutes dies now, social media is awash with people who have never given the deceased a second thought chiming in that they'll be missed. When Rik Mayall died suddenly in June, thousands tweeted their grief.

"He was a golden youth," says Ben Elton. "He was the greatest of us all," says Alexei Sayle. "The sexy genius, Rik Mayall," says whoever wrote Simon Callow's suitably grandiose narration for this tribute programme, which does the usual run-through of all the late star's famous roles, making out that each was incredibly groundbreaking, while celebrity chums say what a great guy he was.

The thing is, with Rik Mayall, for once all of that is absolutely true. He was a bloody sexy genius. He was unique and I'm quite willing to believe he was brilliant to know. And that grief felt real: to a certain generation, at least, he was ours in a way no other entertainer could be and loved as much as any stranger could be. He never sold out, never became a sentimental, corny shadow of himself.

This tribute programme - obvious as it is, missing (totally understandably) any contributions from his family or Adrian Edmondson, but filled with wonderful early footage and photos - reminds us of just what we lost.

You may cry a wee bit. But you will definitely laugh.

Cast rehearse Neville's Island

Rehearsal photos have been released for the upcoming West End transfer of Tim Firth's comedy. Leading the cast of Angus Jackson's production are Adrian Edmondson, who is reprising his performance as Gordon from the original run in Chichester, Miles Jupp, Neil Morrissey and Robert Webb.

In many ways the antithesis of BBC2's traditional "highbrow" output, The Young Ones' anarchic approach to comedy was an instant cult hit with younger audiences. It set the tone for the age of "alternative" comedy that still dominates today. The premise - four students who live in a bedsit - was traditional, but its structure, which included fragmented and often surreal storylines, random asides, the trashing of the set and sudden cuts to hamsters singing in a fridge, was energetic, punky and pioneering. Written (mostly) by Ben Elton and starring Adrian Edmondson (Vyvyan), Rik Mayall (Rick), Nigel Planer (Neil) and Christopher Ryan (Mick) - it also featured Alexei Sayle as landlord Mr Balowski.

Since light entertainment programmes were allocated bigger budgets than sitcoms, it was decided every episode would also feature a band. These bands - which included Dexy's Midnight Runners, and Madness - would perform songs which had no relevance to the plot.

Memorable scenes include Footlights versus Scumbag College in University Challenge; Vyvyan's head being cut off and then rolling along a train track still speaking; as well as the last shot of them all toppling over a cliff in a stolen double-decker bus.

Adrian Edmondson interview

The comedian and musician on winning Celebrity MasterChef, his wife Jennifer Saunders - and breaking up Bottom.

Jim Davidson's rant at 'unfunny, smug' Ade Edmondson

Jim Davidson has launched an angry tirade against Celebrity MasterChef winner Adrian Edmondson, labelling him an 'arrogant, self-satisfied lefty' and 'the unfunniest man in the world'.

Adrian Edmondson wins Celebrity MasterChef 2013

Comic actor beats Les Dennis and Janet Street-Porter with 'mind-blowing' three-course meal of venison and sea bass.

Beattie Edmondson on pressure of having famous parents

As the daughter of Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson, Beattie Edmondson should have the genes to be a success in comedy. But her first attempt at life in the spotlight was far from promising.

It's been - brace yourselves - 30 years since the Famous Five cycled cheerfully around the countryside, uncovering sinister skulduggery in Five Go Mad in Dorset. And to mark the occasion - with heaps of sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer - The Comic Strip reunites Julian, Anne, Dick, George and Timmy the dog (!) for an updated caper.

Dick (Adrian Edmondson) appears to have lost none of his thirst for adventure as he brings the old gang together for a nostalgic holiday. But his jaded chums hide dark secrets that could scupper the japes and scrapes. Is there still a place in the world for the Five - and shall there be jam for tea?

What Rehab lacks in anarchic innovation (the original 1982 parody sparked complaints from viewers), it more than makes up for with spirited playing, an affectionate eye and a sweet ending. Hoo-rah!