Rik Mayall - 'Bigger Than Hitler, Better Than Christ' book signing

Waterstones, Birmingham - 20th September 2005

I had been waiting excitedly for 20th September 2005 since I found out that Rik Mayall was going to be doing a book signing at Waterstones in New Street, Birmingham. I arranged to meet up with my cousin who is at Birmingham University. The signing was set for 5:30pm, but we arrived at the shop for 3pm. There were already about 5 people forming a queue outside the door! I knew the queue would be long, so I bought the book and then we decided to join them. I could tell they realised I was there for Rik because I was wearing my 'Bottom' tour t-shirt! As the hours passed, the queue was getting further and further down New Street. I was so glad I arrived when I had! I had a quick look through the book while we waited. It is very Rik and very funny! Then at 5:20pm, we were allowed into the shop….

By now I was really nervous, but excited! I don't think the waiting and the anticipation helped! We were led towards a winding staircase, which led to a balcony area, which looked down onto where we all stood. I started getting quite giggly and was probably annoying my cousin! He even admitted, "you're making me nervous!". You could see the staff arranging a table in the corner. A guy then explained what was going to happen and that Rik would not be signing anything apart from his book! (But of course he did!).

Suddenly, Rik appeared at the top of the stairs dressed in black. People began taking photos, but I was too late to get a pic! He smiled and waved down at everyone, uttering something along the lines of, "Hello ordinary people!" He then took his seat at the table set out for him. We soon began to file up the staircase towards 'The Rik'! I watched him meeting the people in front of me - Including a lady who had taken him some flowers and one who sat on his lap! Some people were very confident and have no nerve at all! I then handed my camera and bag to my cousin as my turn was next….

The lady assistant asked me what my name was and took my book. She opened it at the appropriate page while Rik was saying bye to the person in front and then handed the book to him. I waited with anticipation! He looked at me standing at the top of the stairs, called me over by wiggling his index finger (I know that sounds strange, but I can't describe it!) and said, "Come here, Hannah". I walked over to him and stood on his right hand side. Grinning, he asked if my name is, "with an H?". I said yes. His voice was quite low and husky if I remember correctly! I was quite close to him and he was talking quite quietly to me - Nearly whispering! I think he could probably tell I was nervous! Near the beginning of the conversation, I remember he called me a 'top bird'! Then he said something about it being hot in here and wouldn't it be better if we didn't have any clothes on! - Or something like that! I burst out laughing and said, "Oh, don't you like this t-shirt though, or I like this t-shirt" - Or words to that affect. He then said, "Oh, okay then" in a disappointed tone! I think he may have also said something about hands, but it's all a blur and I can't remember everything we said. At some point (In fact, I think it was one of the first things I said to him), I beamed, "It's great to you meet you!" and Rik grinned (in that typical 'Richie' style smirk!), "yes it is isn't it!" He may have said something about meeting me too. I remember that he smelt a bit smoky as I was still really close to him. Rik then whispered, "Look at all the people staring at us" and pointed to the crowd in front of us - Which included my cousin, Antony with the camera. At seeing Antony, he asked, "Is that your boyfriend?". Again, I started laughing and corrected him. I think it was then that Antony came over and got his book signed. Rik said, "thanks for being fans" or something like that. He then to him, "thanks for bringing along your top bird!" I can't remember if it was at this point, but it was while we were talking about meeting each other, he said that he'd have to write another book, to which I agreed. He then said something like, "I'll see you next time Hannah". Before I took my book from the table, Rik added, "Have you seen my sexy picture?". I said no, but I had an idea of which picture it may be! He grabbed the book and was going to find it, but then said, "you can find it later" or something like that. He was probably aware of the time. As I took the book or as I was about to leave/say bye, he quickly kissed my left hand! Which took me by surprise! Everything was happening so fast - You had a few minutes with Rik, got your book signed and then had to move on - It was all a bit, "wow, did that really just happen?!". He was really friendly and even though you only had a few minutes with him, he took his time to talk to you, have photos and of course, sign the book!

Antony and me then waited a while to watch a few others meeting him - Including a friend who wasn't far behind us. Again, Rik was charming and I took some photographs for her on her camera - Which included a photograph with Rik and her friend! It was great taking a photo and staring at Rik through the viewfinder! Not a subject you get to snap everyday! Other people I remember include a young school girl, who took Rik a teddy bear, which he loved and thought was very sweet; a couple of student types. It was then time for us to leave, but the queue was still winding out of the door! As we left the shop I tried to tell Antony what Rik had said (he couldn't hear!), but trying to remember everything was difficult. My mind was blank for ages! Then you remember and think - Did that really happen? What did I say? What did he say? But hopefully, now I've remembered most of it! I sort of wish I hadn't been so star-struck and nervous though! I had planned everything I wanted to say and do for ages, but when the moment came I forgot how to talk! - Plus he kept making me laugh! Which is a good thing really because that's why I was there. To meet one of my comedy heroes! And I wasn't disappointed one bit! I've met Richard Richard, Lord Flash, Rick from The Young Ones, Drop Dead Fred, Neil from Dancing Queen, the voice of King Arthur and the Andrex puppy, Kevin Turvey (Who I thought might've turned up for the signing as he's a local lad!), Alan from Four Men In A Car ….It was a dream come true! I just hope I'm lucky enough to meet him again one day - And perhaps be a little less nervous next time! But hey, I've met The Rik Mayall!!!!!

*Note about the photos* - Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a 'posed' photo, but I did get two photos of myself with Rik. On both occasions I didn't know the photo was being taken! - As you can tell! But because they aren't 'posed', I suppose they're quite funny!!

*UPDATE* - After uploading my review and the photos, someone from the brilliant Rik Mayall Website got in touch saying that they'd filmed me meeting Rik at the signing! This obviously made my day! She e-mailed me the video clip and I've uploaded some screeb grabs from it to the photo gallery (link below). The video starts just after we'd met and finishes just before we say bye. So, big thank you to Jo - aka 'Hedgehog' - for sending it me! How lucky is that?!

To view the photos, click here (Link opens in a new window)