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Unseen Rik Mayall archive to debut at Droitwich festival

festival-fair · 2026-05-25

Unreleased works from the late Rik Mayall will be featured at the second annual Rik Mayall Comedy Festival in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, scheduled for 29 May to 6 June. The event, titled Working With Rik and Other Grim Tales, is set for Saturday and will be hosted by Bob Baldwin, a longtime friend and director who worked alongside Mayall on various projects. The collection, curated by producer Elene Hadjidaniel, showcases behind-the-scenes footage and images from their collaborations, presented in a Q&A format. Baldwin's partnership with Mayall began in 1989 on the children's series Grim Tales, following Mayall's notable performance on Jackanory. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy in alternative comedy.

Key facts

  • Previously unseen Rik Mayall material will be shown at the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival
  • The show is titled Working With Rik and Other Grim Tales
  • It takes place on Saturday during the festival in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
  • Bob Baldwin, a close friend and director, will present the archive
  • Producer Elene Hadjidaniel edited the archive
  • Baldwin and Mayall first worked together on Grim Tales in 1989
  • Mayall died in 2014 at age 56
  • The festival runs from 29 May to 6 June

Entities

Artists

  • Rik Mayall
  • Bob Baldwin
  • Elene Hadjidaniel
  • Stewart Copeland

Institutions

  • BBC
  • Rik Mayall Comedy Festival
  • BBC Hereford & Worcester

Locations

  • Droitwich Spa
  • Worcestershire
  • United Kingdom

Sources