I had a very good laugh indeed last night at Hammersmith Apollo, where I went to see Bottom 2001. All the usual knob gags were there of course, plus the odd bit of improvisation that serves to enrich the “plot” even further.
The highlight for me came after the interval when Rik and Ade, as Richard and Eddie, were discussing the characters who played them.
“Who plays me again? Isn’t it that tosser who fell off the quad bike!?” was Rik Mayall’s warmly appreciated reference to his very nearly tragic accident.
Although the performance seemed slightly more upbeat than that of their last outing in Hooligans Island, I fear that they’re running out of steam.
Richard’s observation that “Rik Mayall is much too old to be playing me!” just about sums it up. Hopefully next time round they’ll bow out on a high before their reputation is tarnished. If they visit a theatre near you, then do go – it makes for a very pleasant night!