Talking Bottom
A Guide to the Cult Sitcom
2nd Edition
Published on 6. November 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-1-80677-036-6 (ISBN)
Description
In 1991, a new comedy hit British screens and, at first glance, it was just another sofa-based sitcom. Soon, it became clear Bottom was a masterpiece. Mixing cartoon-style slapstick, knob gags and Beckettian nihilism, it left an indelible mark on British comedy. Written by and starring comedy legends Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson as reprobates Richard Richard and Edward Hitler, their depraved universe unfolded over three chaotic BBC TV series, five explosive live shows and a formidable feature film.
Celebrating the legacy of TV's greatest losers Richie and Eddie, this book features thorough 'Bottom Inspections', 'Bottom Nuggets', unseen photos, draft script excerpts and interviews with cast and crew sure to reignite fans' love for Rik and Ade's unmatched talent for toilet humour.
Crafted by the creators of the popular Talking Bottom podcast Paul Tanter, Angela Pearson and Mat Brooks, this is the ultimate guide to the outrageous and unforgettable sitcom that continues to delight and disgust audiences today.
Celebrating the legacy of TV's greatest losers Richie and Eddie, this book features thorough 'Bottom Inspections', 'Bottom Nuggets', unseen photos, draft script excerpts and interviews with cast and crew sure to reignite fans' love for Rik and Ade's unmatched talent for toilet humour.
Crafted by the creators of the popular Talking Bottom podcast Paul Tanter, Angela Pearson and Mat Brooks, this is the ultimate guide to the outrageous and unforgettable sitcom that continues to delight and disgust audiences today.
Reviews / Votes
"Here it all is, written by the Bottom experts and dedicated fans, with contributions from some of those who were there. How Bottom came to be, the extremes it went to and where it stands in the grand history of the British TV sitcom. Much loved moments and top insights. All a Bottom fan could want!" - Roger Sloman"If you're a fan, you need this book. If you're not a fan, read it and you will be!" - Grenville Horner, production designer
"Rik and Ade never cast me in Bottom because I was too wild and violent, the bastards. So I don't want to have anything to do with this book." - Nigel Planer
"Written by Bottom Maniacs (I made that term up) who really know what they are talking about and have penned that talking into this outstanding 'cult guide', and I thank them from the heart of my bottom." - Ed Bye, from the Foreword
More details
Edition
2nd New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Edition type
New edition
Dimensions
Height: 129 mm
Width: 198 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
324 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80677-036-6 (9781806770366)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2025
Wilton Square Books
€10.79
Available for download
Persons
Paul Tanter is a film/TV director and film journalist; Angela Pearson is a comedy publicist, writer and journalist; and Mat Brooks is an editor, director and comedian. Together, they created the Talking Bottom podcast and wrote this book about the world's greatest sitcom. Talking Bottom regularly tops podcast charts and was named 'podcast of the week' by the Guardian and Metro. They'll likely never stop talking complete and total Bottom.