Comedy festival launched in Rik Mayall's memory

Greg Davies, Peter Richardson, Shaparak Khorsandi and Helen Lederer have all been confirmed for the first comedy festival held in Rik Mayall's memory.

The community-run festival is taking place from 31 May to 7 June, with tickets for the headliners, who will play the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich Spa, on sale next month.

Mayall grew up in the Worcestershire town and the festival is aimed at celebrating his life and "continuing his legacy."

"It's a rare opportunity to see these big names in such an intimate setting as the Norbury," Chris Broad, festival committee chair, said.

"We are so excited to welcome these fantastic comedians, actors and writers to our debut festival."

Mayall was one of the county's most famous comic performers before he died aged 56, in 2014.

Organisers said the idea for the festival came from a conversation with his family and local councillor Richard Morris, who wanted celebrate him and the town.

"The family suggested that a celebration in the town where he found his feet in entertainment, was a fitting tribute to his legacy," he said.

Morris said he believes the Norbury Theatre is where Mayall found his love for performing.

"Growing up, Rik was regularly involved in productions at the Norbury Theatre and in many plays that his parents had written."

Tickets are available to local residents from 8 March and on general release from 9 March.

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