Rik Mayall and I met at uni in Manchester in 1975. We thought we were going to be serious actors and became comedians by accident. We started out at the Comedy Store in London, which was new at the time, and then the BBC commissionedon Channel 4, and found it very hard work. Then we just happened not to work together for a few years. I was making Comic Strips, he was makingEventually we said: “Should we have another go?” It really was as casual as that.
We wanted to call it My Bottom, so that the continuity announcers would say: “Next on television, My Bottom.” And then at their tea-break the next morning, people would say: “Did you see My Bottom on television last night?” Alan Yentob kicked up a fuss, so we just called it Bottom. Apparently he still didn’t like it, but we managed to convince him it was about people being at the bottom of the pile.
I think Bottom is full of joy. Even though it’s hyperactive and full of hysteria, it’s actually quite relaxed and fun. It’s definitely the best thing I’ve ever made in comedy. When I’m channel-surfing and come across it, I’ll end up watching it to the end thinking it’s consistently funny. Whereas when I watch an episode of The Young Ones, I think: “Oh Christ, that could have been better. And what the hell is that bit?” But Bottom always strikes me as surprisingly funny.
A lot of programmes are made while they’re being written, but Rik and Ade had written the whole first series ahead. Everything was really tightly scripted, so we rehearsed each show for slightly less than a week, so we could film it as quickly as possible in front of a live audience. The only bits that really needed work were the action. They’d write: “There’s a fight.” So I’d have to sit down and go: “OK, what fight? Let’s choreograph it.
Ade and Rik worked by knowing what you could get away with – and then pushing the boundaries. I did have some problems with BBC executives at the end of the whole process, and had to cut a scene where Rik pre-ejaculates. Well, I didn’t cut it out, I just chose different shots so that you could see less of Rik.and still am with Ade. We were just simpatico: we all had real enthusiasm for this kind of comedy. Bottom is still one of the most enjoyable, rewarding shows I’ve ever done.