Bottom, 1991
Anarchy and slapstick come together brilliantly in the BBC sitcom that ran three series between 1991 and 1993.
Over time Bottom has being reputed as the most violent example of British Television Comedy, with some very violent instances featuring in the comedy that include teeth being knocked out, fingers being cut off and heads crushed in fridge doors. Not one for family viewing.
Whilst the show is not one of the highest rated comedies it did manage number 45 in the 2008 BBC poll to find Britain’s most popular sitcom. Happily it enjoys regular repeat showings on GOLD and Dave.
Summary
Eddie and Richie are two crude, perverted lunatics, with no jobs, very little money and only a filthy flat in Hammersmith (located at “11, Mafeking Parade”) to their name.
The two spend their time coming up with desperate schemes to acquire sex, attacking each other violently and getting into dodgy situations.
Clips
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Cast
Adrian Edmondson – Edward “Eddie” Elizabeth Hitler
Rik Mayall – Richard “Richie” Richard
Steve O’Donnell – Spud-gun
Christopher Ryan – Dave Hedgehog
Lee Cornes – Dick Head
Details
Channel: BBC2
Created By: Adrian Edmondson & Rik Mayall
Original Transmission Dates: 17th September 1991 – 10th April 1995
What Next ?
In 2012 it looked as though Richie and Eddie were on there way back, with plans for a BBC spin off series Hooligan’s Island, featuring their characters from Bottom. However by October of the same year the project was shelved as Ade Edmondson wanted to pursue other projects.
In 2013 rumours were rife once again that the show was about to return, a script had been commissioned and both actors were keen to be involved. Once again Ade Edmondsun pulled the plug.
Spin Offs
Spinning off from the TV series were five stage shows that went on a UK tour in 1993 and ten years later in 2003. Between this there was the feature film Guest House Paradiso.