STARS of the Young Ones will reunite in Droitwich at the 2026 Rik Mayall Comedy Festival later this year.
Stars of the hit BBC sitcom – Alexei Sayle and Nigel Planer – will headline the second annual festival in Rik’s home town of Droitwich Spa, alongside Live at the Apollo star and high-energy comedy powerhouse Harriet Kemsley.
The nine-day event runs from May 29 to June 6 and will bring a significant boost to the town centre with a new High Street outdoor stage, and even more daytime family activities.
The festival offers a platform for the next generation through a free showcase for local drama groups and individuals, and professional workshops for aspiring performers.
There will also be plenty of free and ‘pay what you think’ events to make the festival as accessible as possible.
General tickets go on sale on March 7, with a 24-hour exclusive presale on March 6 for festival newsletter subscribers.
This summer’s home of anarchic comedy
The spirit of anarchy returns to the heart of Worcestershire as the second Rik Mayall Comedy Festival reveals a 2026 line-up that reunites ‘The People’s Poet’ with some of his closest collaborators. During the festival, Droitwich Spa will be transformed into a hub of British comedy, celebrating the legacy of its anarchic comedy icon.
This year, two of the original Young Ones lead the bill. Nigel Planer brings his Young Once book tour to the Norbury Theatre, while Alexei Sayle, the godfather of alternative comedy, appears for an exclusive ‘In Conversation’ event with Robin Ince. He will discuss Rik and the 80s comedy revolution. ‘The “Young Ones’ theme will be continued with a new exhibition by acclaimed photographer Andy Hollingworth.
Joining them as part of a packed line-up is a powerhouse of contemporary talent: the sharp, satirical brilliance of Tiff Stevenson (Mock the Week, People Just Do Nothing) with her new show ‘Post Coital’ – plus pre-Edinburgh Work In Progress shows from the delightfully chaotic Harriet Kemsley (Last One Laughing, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown); and the blunt, award-winning relatability of 2025 festival favourite Laura Smyth (The Jonathan Ross Show, Live at the Apollo).
The festival’s initial headliner announcement marks just the beginning of a rolling line-up reveal and hundreds of fringe events to be announced. Additional headliners and special guests will be unveiled in stages over the coming weeks. Fans and residents are encouraged to follow the festival’s official social media channels, where the committee will continue to release further names and exclusive programme updates leading up to the event in May.
During weekends, the High Street will also feature an outdoor stage during and roaming entertainment, in partnership with headline sponsor PSS (Production Support Services), bringing the festival atmosphere to the centre of town.
Rik’s Droitwich story
Rik Mayall famously found his feet at the Norbury Theatre as a young person. To honour this, the festival has committed to providing that same platform for the next generation. This year includes a dedicated Showcase for local drama groups and individual performers at the Droitwich Spa Community Hall, comedy workshops for ages 12 to 17, and support to help student performers take to the stage. More information on how to sign up is on the festival website.
The festival is currently recruiting its ‘army’ of yellow-shirted volunteers to keep the festival running, proudly sponsored by Droitwich-based firm, Ormerod Rutter. Anyone looking to get involved can get in touch via the festival website.
Stuart Panrucker, Festival Director, said: “After a massively successful first year, we couldn’t wait to get started on 2026.
“We’ve focused on expanding our reach, bringing in new venues, and making sure we retain Rik’s energy by providing more ways than ever for young people to take to the stage. Bringing Nigel and Alexei to Droitwich Spa further cements the festival as a homecoming for alternative comedy.”
Click here for more information on the festival, volunteering, the events line-up and to sign up to the newsletter.
