Jam-packed with episode-by-episode analysis, unseen photos and draft script excerpts, the creators of Talking Bottom – named Metro and Guardian’s ‘Podcast of the Week’ – present comedy fans with this ultimate guide to Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson’s unforgettable 90s sitcom, Bottom.
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 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 Bottom with Paul, Ange and Mat as they explore a sitcom that continues to delight and disgust new audiences today.
Published in paperback by Unbound on 3 July 2025 (£12.99)
ISBN: 978-1-78965-221-5 | eBook: 978-1-78965-222-2
About The Authors
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 is at the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival at 3pm on 31st May at Norbury Theatre. For details of the festival on honour of Rik Mayall, visit rikmayallcomedyfestival.com
