Alexei Sayle and Nigel Planer head to comic's hometown

Two of the stars of The Young Ones are to headline this year's Rik Mayall Comedy Festival in Droitwich Spa, the Worcestershire town where the comedian grew up.

Alexei Sayle will appear in an 'in conversation' event with Robin Ince, reflecting on Mayall and the alternative comedy scene of the 1980s. 

And Nigel Planer will bring his book tour, based on his memoir Young Once, to the Norbury Theatre –  the same venue where Mayall first performed as a young man.

Stuart Panrucker, the festival's director, said: 'Bringing Nigel and Alexei to Droitwich Spa further cements the festival as a homecoming for alternative comedy.’

Other comics announced for the nine-day event, which runs from May 29 to June 6, include Harriet Kemsley,  Tiff Stevenson and Laura Smyth.

The festival – now in its second year –  includes a new outdoor stage on the high street, a photography exhibition by Andy Hollingworth featuring images from The Young Ones era, and a range of family activities.

Panrucker said the festival wanted to ‘retain Rik’s energy by providing more ways than ever for young people to take to the stage’ – including workshops for aspiring comedians aged 12 to. 17.

Tickets go on sale on March 7, with more names being announced closed to the event.

» Rik Mayall Comedy Festival website

Published: 21 Feb 2026