39 Quotes by Rik Mayall

When I was young, I saw some of my heroes doing it on the telly. We're talking about Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Arthur Lowe, Ian McKellan, Kenneth Williams. These were all guys telling stories to me.

I'd love Shakey Bill to tell me a story - I mean, William Shakespeare, he could squeak a nib couldn't he?

I've always had live audiences.

I'm frightened of interviews.

Bring me another bad one, and I shall protect my British people - I brought down Thatcher to protect my people, and I'm bringing down Tony to defend them, and I'll be there for any other dangers that come along.

As I see it, there's mainstream comedy - and then there's me, out in the badlands.

I've always had a problem with doing what I'm told.

Something that has been important to me is never to repeat myself, never to go back.

London audiences are the most challenging around - it's a group of such diverse strangers.