Bottom Live

I thought I'd put in a comment as one of the few Yanks who, with the aid of a region-code-free DVD player, has seen the videos of the `Bottom' shows.

The original TV series has been unavailable to me, so all I know of the two `Bottom' characters is from the taped stage shows (there are three of them). They seem essentially the same as the two characters Rik and Ade played in `The Young Ones,' so if you found them amusing, you might like them in the `Bottom' shows. However, as this is a live stage show, the elaborate sight gags and editing tricks used in `The Young Ones' are out of the question. Also, while they attack their roles with extreme gusto, they are noticeably older. Rik, in particular, looks likely to expire in a pool of perspiration as the show goes on. Sure, he looks a bit grotesque as he's gradually drenched in sweat, but since he appears on stage from the start in ill-fitting blue jeans with his underpants visibly pulled about six inches above his belt, I'd say some additional grotesqueness was not out of place. This is augmented in spades when the blue jeans disappear. At one point in `Bottom 2,' after a prolonged bout of violence, Rik ad-libs loudly that they are `getting too old for this,' a comment he'd no doubt heard and read in numerous reviews of the shows. I can't help admiring his balls (well, not literally).

Ade's whiplash violence is as ridiculously extreme as a Roadrunner cartoon. For me it's a hilarious release of life's pent-up frustrations, and kind of a rebuke for having wished I could do it to the numerous jackasses encountered in an average day. I would contend that doing that sort of thing safely on stage takes a high degree of accuracy and skill. Besides which, he just makes me laugh.

Experiencing it on video, you get the best seat in the house without having to contend with an unruly or annoying audience, and I found the sheer exuberance of Rik and Ade's performances enjoyable.

As an American, I couldn't appreciate quite all the references to British celebrities, etc., but complete idiocy is a universal thing, and it's depicted here with extreme enthusiasm. To me, these guys are the Three Stooges for the '90s, a mantle I don't confer lightly. It may well be that Rik or Ade would advise me to f**k off. Well, so what? I am one of those who hold the opinion that you shouldn't necessarily meet people you admire, as it sometimes spoils your appreciation of them.

Ignore the user who slated this. Its just pure brilliance. And if you don't get it, you obviously don't have a sense of humour. Also, Rik wouldn't refuse autographs. Ade may have done, but Rik is a really nice bloke.

This live show was their first and definitely one of the best they've made. It takes place at their flat and the storyline is ... well as weird and violent as usual - among other things Eddie will become both Richie's son and wife... you have to see it for yourself to understand. The punchlines and the violence makes up for a one hour and a half nonstop laughing session, and I can ONLY recommend this show. More than the other live shows, this one is close to the series in terms of storyline and "personality", where-as the other live shows go beyond that. If you liked the series I can almost guarantee that you will love this show

I remember going to see this show and Manchester on it's tour. We were absolutely blown away by the script, comic timing and interaction with the audience. Brilliantly clever dialogue and a superb story line. Kept us in stitches all night. So pleased to see Rik Mayal at his best.

I absolutely love bottom and this for me was the most hilarious 90 or so minutes i have ever encountered. I especially like Richie, with his extra long weird laughs and when he says Eddie about 50 times and then asks him a question!

I sincerely hope that they will make more live shows, they still have the amazing talent to go on for a life time! Apsolute 1st class entertainment.

All the live shows and series are brilliant.

Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson really should continue their partnership and produce more of what can only be described as the best comedy show in history!