DROITWICH will be filled with laughter for the next nine days when the annual Rik Mayall Comedy Festival (RMCF) returns tomorrow (Friday, May 29).
This is the second time the entirely volunteer-led, non-profit, community comedy extravaganza has been held after a successful inaugural outing last year.
The original stars of the Young Ones – Nigel Planer and Alexei Sayle, along with Comic Strip founder and Festival Patron Peter Richardson – will be among the highlights.
But there will be something for everyone with more than 300 performances across the town between today and June 9.
Honouring the legacy of legendary alternative comedy pioneer Rik Mayall in the very town where he grew up and caught the acting bug, the festival transforms the entire town into a vibrant stage with performances spanning the historic Norbury Theatre, local pubs, cafés, a canal boat, and outdoor spaces.
Rik Mayall’s family, reflecting on the success of last year’s inaugural event, said: “We were truly touched by the sheer amount of love for Rik displayed all over the town.
“To see him in almost every shop window was at once familiar, funny, and magical.
“The whole festival truly captured those three things; creating a space where fans of laughter (and Rik, obviously!) feel at home.
“We cannot wait for the fun to arrive back home to Droitwich Spa again this year.”
The official Totally Bonkers Family Fun Launch Party, organised in partnership Droitwich Spa Friends and Businesses CIC, takes place tomorrow (Saturday).
It is free to attend and will be a day packed with family entertainment, live music and street performers with absolutely no tickets required.
From 11am right through to the evening, the High Street and St Andrews Square will be packed with live music, comedy, family entertainment, walkabout performers, games, food, drink and plenty of festival silliness.
Performances from Mitch Benn, Droitwich Spa Community Choir, Droitwich Ukulele Club, CircusMash, Kane and Abel Magicians, Coppice Shanty Crew and loads more brilliant local acts and groups across the day will all help to kick off the 2026 festival in style.
There will also be live music to Friar Street (outside the Old Cock Inn) from 12.30pm to 8pm on Sunday, May 31 and next Saturday, June 6, from midday to 4pm.
The line-up will include incredible local talent, BBC Introducing acts and a few very special guests.
Museum and youth comedy
The Pop-Up Museum at the Norbury Theatre will return. It has been curated by top photographer Andy Hollingworth, has a Young Ones theme and has been fully funded by local county councillor Dan Birch.
It will offer a nostalgic dive into alternative comedy heritage.
Funding from Worcestershire County Councillor Richard Morris and the dedicated RMCF Youth Team has focused on the next generation, backing an incredible line-up of youth development schemes running throughout the week.
There will be comedy workshops to help young people build confidence, creativity and performance skills and The Festival Joke Spot Live – an interactive spot in St Andrew’s Square in partnership with The UK Kids Comedy Festival where children and young people can grab the microphone and share their favourite jokes.
And there will be The Youth Showcase at the Norbury next Saturday.
Visit: rikmayallcomedyfestival.com for more on the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival and events throughout the nine days.
