Filmography
War and Peace (2015, pre-production) - Count Rostov
Ade is confirmed to star in this six-part BBC adaptation of the Tolstoy classic.
Prey (3 episodes, 2014) - DCI Warner
Ade played the Assistant Chief Constable in this three-part ITV mini-series.
Blood (2012) - Tom Tiernan
Thriller charting the moral collapse of a police family, directed by Nick Murphy. Ade made a cameo appearance as a character with OCD.
The Comic Strip Presents… Five Go to Rehab (2012) - Dick
Ade reprised his role as Dick in this newest Comic Strip film for GOLD which reunites the Famous Five.
The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff (2 episodes, 2012) - Headmaster Wackville
Four-part comedy series for the BBC, parodying the works of Charles Dickens.
Pete & Dud: The Lost Sketches (2010) - Performer
Contemporary comedians recreate the lost sketches of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, working from the original scripts.
Holby City (45 episodes, 2005-2008) - Percy 'Abra' Durant
Ade played maverick surgeon Abra on and off for three years in the BBC medical drama. He has described it as one of his happiest working periods.
Teenage Kicks (8 episodes, 2008) - Vernon
Short-lived ITV sitcom about a middle-aged divorcee who moves in with his two teenage children in their student house, trying to recapture his youth. Ade co-wrote the series as well as starring in it. He says he got the idea from his time in Fame Academy when he realised he wasn't as young as he thought he was. It started life as a radio series for BBC Radio 2 in 2007.
Miss Austen Regrets (2008) - Henry Austen
In this BBC period drama about Jane Austen, Ade plays Jane's brother Henry.
Surviving Disaster: Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (2006) - Valery Legasov
BBC docudrama about the Chernobyl disaster. Ade gives an emotional performance as Valery Legasov, the scientist who headed the commission that investigated the accident. It was part of a series exploring 20th century disasters.
Twisted Tales (1 episode, 2005) - Ed Barnes
BBC horror/comedy series.
Terkel in Trouble (2004) - Terkel (voice)
Danish animated film. Ade voiced the character in the English version.
Jonathan Creek (5 episodes, 2003-2004) - Brendan Baxter
Ade played ratings-obsessed TV producer Brendan Baxter, husband of Julia Sawalha's character.
Doctors and Nurses (6 episodes, 2004) - Roy Glover
BBC sitcom about a doctor, played by Ade, on a mission to save the NHS single-handed. It ran for only one series.
Bottom Live 2003: Weapons Grade Y-Fronts Tour (2003) - Eddie Hitler
The fifth and final Bottom Live show, recorded at the Cliffs Pavilion Theatre in Southend-on-Sea.
Bottom Live 2001: An Arse Oddity (2001) - Eddie Hitler
The fourth Bottom Live show, recorded at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall.
The Comic Strip Presents… Four Men in a Plane (2000) - Ian
Follow-up to Four Men in a Car. This time the four businessmen are stranded in the desert when their chartered plane crash-lands.
Guest House Paradiso (1999) - Eddie
Essentially the Bottom movie in all but name, which sees Richie and Eddie running the worst hotel in Britain. Ade also directed.
The Man (1999) - Alex
TV movie, also featuring Lenny Henry.
The Comic Strip Presents… Four Men in a Car (1998) - Ian
Four businessmen on their way to a conference are stranded when their car breaks down in a snow storm.
Jack and the Beanstalk (1998) - Dame Dolly
Pantomime with a star-studded cast, which aired on ITV at Christmas 1998 and is repeated every year.
French and Saunders (3 episodes, 1988-1998) - James Macaroon/John
Ade made a couple of guest appearances, one of which was the Titanic spoof.
Bottom Live 3: Hooligan's Island (1997) - Eddie Hitler
The third Bottom Live show, recorded at the Bristol Hippodrome.
Captain Star (4 episodes, 1997) - Limbs Jones (voice)
Animated sci-fi series.
Bottom Live: The Big Number 2 Tour (1995) - Eddie Hitler
The second Bottom Live show, recorded at the Apollo Theatre in Oxford.
Look at the State We're In (1995) - Dewhurst
Rik and Ade starred in the first episode, The Organisation, of this BBC series which discussed various elements of British life and governance.
Anna Lee (1 episode, 1994) - Dominic Jones
ITV detective series. Ade guest-starred in one episode playing a well-known chef who is married to an old school friend of Anna's. She thinks he is cheating on her and asks Anna to find out the identity of the woman in question.
The Comic Strip Presents… Demonella (1993) - Sid Vicious
Ade played Sid Vicious.
The Comic Strip Presents… Gregory: Diary of a Nutcase (1993) - Gregory Dawson
Ade played an incompetent would-be serial killer making a video diary of his endeavours.
The Comic Strip Presents… Space Virgins from Planet Sex (1993) - 'K'/Air Traffic Controller
If You See God, Tell Him (4 episodes, 1993) - Gordon Spry
BBC series written by David Renwick. Ade plays Gordon Spry, whose uncle (Richard Briers), moves in with him and his wife (Imelda Staunton) after he sustains a head injury which causes him to relate only to TV adverts. Unfortunately it has never been repeated, though it is available now on DVD.
Bottom Live - The Stage Show (1993) - Eddie Hitler
The first Bottom Live show, recorded at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
Jackanory (1 episode, 1993) - Reader
Ade read Harvey Angell.
Absolutely Fabulous (2 episodes, 1992-1994) - Hamish
Ade made two guest appearances in his wife Jennifer Saunders' sitcom as the magazine's restaurant critic.
The Comic Strip Presents… Red Nose of Courage (1992) - John Major/Coco the Clown
Ade played John Major, who finds himself having to juggle his role as Prime Minister with his job as Coco the Clown in his father's circus. Things are further complicated when he falls in love with the leader of the opposition, who falls for Coco without realising who he really is.
The Pope Must Die (1991) - Father Rookie
Comedy written by Peter Richardson and Pete Richens about a priest who is mistakenly named the new pope.
Bottom (18 episodes, 1991-1995) - Eddie Hitler
Written by and starring Rik and Ade, they play Richie and Eddie, two losers who share a flat and all the misery and desperation that goes with it. It ran for three series on BBC 2 and was full of hilarious slapstick and crude humour.
The Comic Strip Presents… Les Dogs (1990) - Best Man
The Comic Strip Presents… Oxford (1990) - 2nd MI5 Man/Fan
The Comic Strip Presents… GLC: The Carnage Continues... (1990) - Billy/Prince/Giles Cricket Bat Portland
Ade played three roles including the Prince of Wales.
The Comic Strip Presents… South Atlantic Raiders: Part 2 Argie Bargie! (1990) - Billy
Follow-up to Part 1.
The Comic Strip Presents… South Atlantic Raiders: Part 1 (1990) - Billy
Ade played one of two security men on a rescue mission in the Falklands.
Screen One: News Hounds (1990) - Phil Burke
BAFTA-winning TV film directed by Les Blair, in which Ade stars as a seedy tabloid journalist.
Blackadder Goes Forth (1 episode, 1989) - Baron von Richthoven
Ade made a guest appearance as the Red Baron, nemesis of his partner Rik Mayall's character Lord Flashheart.
Snakes and Ladders (7 episodes, 1989) - Giles
Channel 4 comedy series about role reversal in futuristic Britain. Ade plays an aristocrat who is accidentally sent to work as a labourer in the north, while the man he replaces finds himself living the high life down south.
Press Gang (1 episode, 1989) - Simon Knowles
Ade guest-starred in one episode of this ITV children's comedy drama, playing a new teacher struggling to control the class.
The Comic Strip Presents… The Yob (1988) - Michael
The Comic Strip Presents… Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door (1988) - Dreamy Time Escort
Rik and Ade co-wrote this with Rowland Rivron. They star as two sleazy escorts who end up involved in a plot to kill Nicholas Parsons. Considered by many to be an early version of their characters in Bottom.
The Comic Strip Presents… More Bad News (1988) - Vim Fuego
The second Bad News film, written by Ade. The band get back together for a reunion gig and single release, culminating in a performance at the Monsters of Rock Festival.
The Comic Strip Presents… The Strike (1988) - Adrian/Slim/Policeman
Filthy Rich & Catflap (6 episodes, 1987) - Eddie Catflap
BBC sitcom written by Ben Elton and starring Rik, Ade and Nigel Planer. Ade plays the drunken minder of a washed-up actor. It only ran for six episodes but is loved by fans of Rik and Ade.
Eat the Rich (1987) - Charles
Hardwicke House (1 episode, 1987) - Tiny
ITV sitcom about a dysfunctional comprehensive school. Rik and Ade guest-starred in an episode as two former pupils who have just been released from Borstal. Unfortunately it has never been seen, as the show was pulled after two episodes due to press and public outcry.
Saturday Live (1986) - Sir Adrian Dangerous
Rik and Ade reprised their earlier stage act, The Dangerous Brothers, for television. All their sketches are available on DVD. Watch out for the Towering Inferno sketch where Ade is set on fire, a stunt that got a little bit out of hand...
Screen Two: Honest Decent and True (1986) - Alun Pickersgill
The first of two BAFTA-winning Les Blair TV films Ade starred in. This one is about life in an advertising agency.
Happy Families (6 episodes, 1986) - Guy Fuddle
BBC sitcom written by Ben Elton and starring Ade and his wife Jennifer Saunders. Ade plays Guy Fuddle, who sets out to reunite his estranged sisters. Jennifer plays the roles of each of the sisters as well as Granny Fuddle.
The Comic Strip Presents… Private Enterprise (1986) - Brian
Written and directed by Ade. A delivery man steals a band's demo tape and takes it to a promoter, achieving a chart hit. But he runs into trouble when the band are needed for a tour.
The Comic Strip Presents… Consuela (1986) - John
Written by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders as a parody of Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca. Ade plays a man who takes his new wife back to his ancestral home, only for her to come into conflict with the housekeeper, who compares her unfavourably to his first wife.
The Supergrass (1985) - Dennis Carter
The first Comic Strip feature film. Ade stars as Dennis Carter, who invents a story about being a drug smuggler to impress a girl. However, the police take an interest in his story and he is persuaded to act as an informer. Peter Richardson and Jennifer Saunders play the undercover cops who accompany him.
Spitting Image (1 episode, 1984) - Harold Angryperson (voice)
The Comic Strip Presents... Slags (1984) - Ace
Written by Jennifer Saunders, a kind of West Side Story parody about two rival gangs, the Slags and the Hawaiians. Ade's character is one of the Slags and also narrates the story.
The Comic Strip Presents… Eddie Monsoon: A Life? (1984) - Eddie Monsoon
Written by Ade, this is a mockumentary about controversial South African entertainer Eddie Monsoon, whose career has gone disastrously wrong and he is now reduced to telling his story from rehab in exchange for money.
The Comic Strip Presents... Gino: Full Story and Pics (1984) - Bill/Gordon
The Comic Strip Presents... A Fistful of Travellers' Cheques (1984) - Billy
Two students arrive in Spain to live out their fantasy of being in a spaghetti western. Ade plays one of the weird characters they encounter along the way.
The Comic Strip Presents... Susie (1984) - Martin
A bored schoolteacher contemplates leaving her dull husband, played by Ade, for her lover, but unexpectedly becomes involved with a rock star as well.
The Comic Strip Presents... Dirty Movie (1983) - Postman Bean
Written by Rik and Ade. A cinema manager finds his plans for a private screening of a dirty movie disrupted by the local postman, who is expecting a screening of The Sound of Muzak, and the police.
The Comic Strip Presents... Five Go Mad on Mescalin (1983) - Dick
The Famous Five return for another adventure which brings them into contact with their Uncle Quentin again, who has escaped from prison.
The Comic Strip Presents… Summer School (1983) - Peter
A group of people embark on a course in Iron Age living. Mayhem ensues.
The Comic Strip Presents... Bad News Tour (1983) - Vim Fuego
The first film about heavy metal band Bad News, written by Ade. It follows them and their antics as they tour the country.
The Comic Strip Presents... The Beat Generation (1983) - Desmond
A film about the beat scene in the early 1960s. Ade plays Desmond, whose house is taken over by his beatnik friends while his parents are away, and he attempts to fit in with the crowd.
The Comic Strip Presents… War (1983) - Mike/Hatchett/Julio/Bolsen/Man in cage/Jenkins/Zarkoff
Ade plays multiple characters.
The Young Ones (12 episodes, 1982-1984) - Vyvyan
BBC sitcom written by Ben Elton, Lise Meyer and Rik Mayall. This was the show that made Rik, Ade and Nigel Planer into stars. It ran for two series and was about four students sharing a house. Ade played Vyvyan, a loud and violent punk who also happened to be a medical student. Vyvyan remains one of the most iconic comedy characters of all time.
The Comic Strip Presents… Five Go Mad in Dorset (1982) - Dick
The very first Comic Strip film, which aired on Channel 4's launch night. A parody of Enid Blyton's Famous Five books, which sees the children investigate the disappearance of their Uncle Quentin.
The Magnificent One (1982) - Larry
TV play which aired on Channel 4, about a Chinese family in Fulham who are offered help by a mysterious Samurai. This was Ade's first starring role.
Kevin Turvey: The Man Behind The Green Door (1982) - Keith Marshall
A week in the life of Kevin Turvey. This is a Rik Mayall vehicle, but Ade makes a memorable guest appearance as Keith Marshall, Kevin's best mate who sees himself as a musical genius. Check out his hilarious performance, Keith Marshall and his Musical Anarchy.
The Comic Strip (1981) - Adrian Dangerous
A tongue-in-cheek look behind the scenes of The Comic Strip club in the early 80s, directed by Julien Temple. It features the Comic Strip team in character throughout, with a weird plot, but there is a chance to see Rik and Ade doing their Dangerous Brothers act on stage.
Ade is confirmed to star in this six-part BBC adaptation of the Tolstoy classic.
Prey (3 episodes, 2014) - DCI Warner
Ade played the Assistant Chief Constable in this three-part ITV mini-series.
Blood (2012) - Tom Tiernan
Thriller charting the moral collapse of a police family, directed by Nick Murphy. Ade made a cameo appearance as a character with OCD.
The Comic Strip Presents… Five Go to Rehab (2012) - Dick
Ade reprised his role as Dick in this newest Comic Strip film for GOLD which reunites the Famous Five.
The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff (2 episodes, 2012) - Headmaster Wackville
Four-part comedy series for the BBC, parodying the works of Charles Dickens.
Pete & Dud: The Lost Sketches (2010) - Performer
Contemporary comedians recreate the lost sketches of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, working from the original scripts.
Holby City (45 episodes, 2005-2008) - Percy 'Abra' Durant
Ade played maverick surgeon Abra on and off for three years in the BBC medical drama. He has described it as one of his happiest working periods.
Teenage Kicks (8 episodes, 2008) - Vernon
Short-lived ITV sitcom about a middle-aged divorcee who moves in with his two teenage children in their student house, trying to recapture his youth. Ade co-wrote the series as well as starring in it. He says he got the idea from his time in Fame Academy when he realised he wasn't as young as he thought he was. It started life as a radio series for BBC Radio 2 in 2007.
Miss Austen Regrets (2008) - Henry Austen
In this BBC period drama about Jane Austen, Ade plays Jane's brother Henry.
Surviving Disaster: Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (2006) - Valery Legasov
BBC docudrama about the Chernobyl disaster. Ade gives an emotional performance as Valery Legasov, the scientist who headed the commission that investigated the accident. It was part of a series exploring 20th century disasters.
Twisted Tales (1 episode, 2005) - Ed Barnes
BBC horror/comedy series.
Terkel in Trouble (2004) - Terkel (voice)
Danish animated film. Ade voiced the character in the English version.
Jonathan Creek (5 episodes, 2003-2004) - Brendan Baxter
Ade played ratings-obsessed TV producer Brendan Baxter, husband of Julia Sawalha's character.
Doctors and Nurses (6 episodes, 2004) - Roy Glover
BBC sitcom about a doctor, played by Ade, on a mission to save the NHS single-handed. It ran for only one series.
Bottom Live 2003: Weapons Grade Y-Fronts Tour (2003) - Eddie Hitler
The fifth and final Bottom Live show, recorded at the Cliffs Pavilion Theatre in Southend-on-Sea.
Bottom Live 2001: An Arse Oddity (2001) - Eddie Hitler
The fourth Bottom Live show, recorded at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall.
The Comic Strip Presents… Four Men in a Plane (2000) - Ian
Follow-up to Four Men in a Car. This time the four businessmen are stranded in the desert when their chartered plane crash-lands.
Guest House Paradiso (1999) - Eddie
Essentially the Bottom movie in all but name, which sees Richie and Eddie running the worst hotel in Britain. Ade also directed.
The Man (1999) - Alex
TV movie, also featuring Lenny Henry.
The Comic Strip Presents… Four Men in a Car (1998) - Ian
Four businessmen on their way to a conference are stranded when their car breaks down in a snow storm.
Jack and the Beanstalk (1998) - Dame Dolly
Pantomime with a star-studded cast, which aired on ITV at Christmas 1998 and is repeated every year.
French and Saunders (3 episodes, 1988-1998) - James Macaroon/John
Ade made a couple of guest appearances, one of which was the Titanic spoof.
Bottom Live 3: Hooligan's Island (1997) - Eddie Hitler
The third Bottom Live show, recorded at the Bristol Hippodrome.
Captain Star (4 episodes, 1997) - Limbs Jones (voice)
Animated sci-fi series.
Bottom Live: The Big Number 2 Tour (1995) - Eddie Hitler
The second Bottom Live show, recorded at the Apollo Theatre in Oxford.
Look at the State We're In (1995) - Dewhurst
Rik and Ade starred in the first episode, The Organisation, of this BBC series which discussed various elements of British life and governance.
Anna Lee (1 episode, 1994) - Dominic Jones
ITV detective series. Ade guest-starred in one episode playing a well-known chef who is married to an old school friend of Anna's. She thinks he is cheating on her and asks Anna to find out the identity of the woman in question.
The Comic Strip Presents… Demonella (1993) - Sid Vicious
Ade played Sid Vicious.
The Comic Strip Presents… Gregory: Diary of a Nutcase (1993) - Gregory Dawson
Ade played an incompetent would-be serial killer making a video diary of his endeavours.
The Comic Strip Presents… Space Virgins from Planet Sex (1993) - 'K'/Air Traffic Controller
If You See God, Tell Him (4 episodes, 1993) - Gordon Spry
BBC series written by David Renwick. Ade plays Gordon Spry, whose uncle (Richard Briers), moves in with him and his wife (Imelda Staunton) after he sustains a head injury which causes him to relate only to TV adverts. Unfortunately it has never been repeated, though it is available now on DVD.
Bottom Live - The Stage Show (1993) - Eddie Hitler
The first Bottom Live show, recorded at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
Jackanory (1 episode, 1993) - Reader
Ade read Harvey Angell.
Absolutely Fabulous (2 episodes, 1992-1994) - Hamish
Ade made two guest appearances in his wife Jennifer Saunders' sitcom as the magazine's restaurant critic.
The Comic Strip Presents… Red Nose of Courage (1992) - John Major/Coco the Clown
Ade played John Major, who finds himself having to juggle his role as Prime Minister with his job as Coco the Clown in his father's circus. Things are further complicated when he falls in love with the leader of the opposition, who falls for Coco without realising who he really is.
The Pope Must Die (1991) - Father Rookie
Comedy written by Peter Richardson and Pete Richens about a priest who is mistakenly named the new pope.
Bottom (18 episodes, 1991-1995) - Eddie Hitler
Written by and starring Rik and Ade, they play Richie and Eddie, two losers who share a flat and all the misery and desperation that goes with it. It ran for three series on BBC 2 and was full of hilarious slapstick and crude humour.
The Comic Strip Presents… Les Dogs (1990) - Best Man
The Comic Strip Presents… Oxford (1990) - 2nd MI5 Man/Fan
The Comic Strip Presents… GLC: The Carnage Continues... (1990) - Billy/Prince/Giles Cricket Bat Portland
Ade played three roles including the Prince of Wales.
The Comic Strip Presents… South Atlantic Raiders: Part 2 Argie Bargie! (1990) - Billy
Follow-up to Part 1.
The Comic Strip Presents… South Atlantic Raiders: Part 1 (1990) - Billy
Ade played one of two security men on a rescue mission in the Falklands.
Screen One: News Hounds (1990) - Phil Burke
BAFTA-winning TV film directed by Les Blair, in which Ade stars as a seedy tabloid journalist.
Blackadder Goes Forth (1 episode, 1989) - Baron von Richthoven
Ade made a guest appearance as the Red Baron, nemesis of his partner Rik Mayall's character Lord Flashheart.
Snakes and Ladders (7 episodes, 1989) - Giles
Channel 4 comedy series about role reversal in futuristic Britain. Ade plays an aristocrat who is accidentally sent to work as a labourer in the north, while the man he replaces finds himself living the high life down south.
Press Gang (1 episode, 1989) - Simon Knowles
Ade guest-starred in one episode of this ITV children's comedy drama, playing a new teacher struggling to control the class.
The Comic Strip Presents… The Yob (1988) - Michael
The Comic Strip Presents… Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door (1988) - Dreamy Time Escort
Rik and Ade co-wrote this with Rowland Rivron. They star as two sleazy escorts who end up involved in a plot to kill Nicholas Parsons. Considered by many to be an early version of their characters in Bottom.
The Comic Strip Presents… More Bad News (1988) - Vim Fuego
The second Bad News film, written by Ade. The band get back together for a reunion gig and single release, culminating in a performance at the Monsters of Rock Festival.
The Comic Strip Presents… The Strike (1988) - Adrian/Slim/Policeman
Filthy Rich & Catflap (6 episodes, 1987) - Eddie Catflap
BBC sitcom written by Ben Elton and starring Rik, Ade and Nigel Planer. Ade plays the drunken minder of a washed-up actor. It only ran for six episodes but is loved by fans of Rik and Ade.
Eat the Rich (1987) - Charles
Hardwicke House (1 episode, 1987) - Tiny
ITV sitcom about a dysfunctional comprehensive school. Rik and Ade guest-starred in an episode as two former pupils who have just been released from Borstal. Unfortunately it has never been seen, as the show was pulled after two episodes due to press and public outcry.
Saturday Live (1986) - Sir Adrian Dangerous
Rik and Ade reprised their earlier stage act, The Dangerous Brothers, for television. All their sketches are available on DVD. Watch out for the Towering Inferno sketch where Ade is set on fire, a stunt that got a little bit out of hand...
Screen Two: Honest Decent and True (1986) - Alun Pickersgill
The first of two BAFTA-winning Les Blair TV films Ade starred in. This one is about life in an advertising agency.
Happy Families (6 episodes, 1986) - Guy Fuddle
BBC sitcom written by Ben Elton and starring Ade and his wife Jennifer Saunders. Ade plays Guy Fuddle, who sets out to reunite his estranged sisters. Jennifer plays the roles of each of the sisters as well as Granny Fuddle.
The Comic Strip Presents… Private Enterprise (1986) - Brian
Written and directed by Ade. A delivery man steals a band's demo tape and takes it to a promoter, achieving a chart hit. But he runs into trouble when the band are needed for a tour.
The Comic Strip Presents… Consuela (1986) - John
Written by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders as a parody of Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca. Ade plays a man who takes his new wife back to his ancestral home, only for her to come into conflict with the housekeeper, who compares her unfavourably to his first wife.
The Supergrass (1985) - Dennis Carter
The first Comic Strip feature film. Ade stars as Dennis Carter, who invents a story about being a drug smuggler to impress a girl. However, the police take an interest in his story and he is persuaded to act as an informer. Peter Richardson and Jennifer Saunders play the undercover cops who accompany him.
Spitting Image (1 episode, 1984) - Harold Angryperson (voice)
The Comic Strip Presents... Slags (1984) - Ace
Written by Jennifer Saunders, a kind of West Side Story parody about two rival gangs, the Slags and the Hawaiians. Ade's character is one of the Slags and also narrates the story.
The Comic Strip Presents… Eddie Monsoon: A Life? (1984) - Eddie Monsoon
Written by Ade, this is a mockumentary about controversial South African entertainer Eddie Monsoon, whose career has gone disastrously wrong and he is now reduced to telling his story from rehab in exchange for money.
The Comic Strip Presents... Gino: Full Story and Pics (1984) - Bill/Gordon
The Comic Strip Presents... A Fistful of Travellers' Cheques (1984) - Billy
Two students arrive in Spain to live out their fantasy of being in a spaghetti western. Ade plays one of the weird characters they encounter along the way.
The Comic Strip Presents... Susie (1984) - Martin
A bored schoolteacher contemplates leaving her dull husband, played by Ade, for her lover, but unexpectedly becomes involved with a rock star as well.
The Comic Strip Presents... Dirty Movie (1983) - Postman Bean
Written by Rik and Ade. A cinema manager finds his plans for a private screening of a dirty movie disrupted by the local postman, who is expecting a screening of The Sound of Muzak, and the police.
The Comic Strip Presents... Five Go Mad on Mescalin (1983) - Dick
The Famous Five return for another adventure which brings them into contact with their Uncle Quentin again, who has escaped from prison.
The Comic Strip Presents… Summer School (1983) - Peter
A group of people embark on a course in Iron Age living. Mayhem ensues.
The Comic Strip Presents... Bad News Tour (1983) - Vim Fuego
The first film about heavy metal band Bad News, written by Ade. It follows them and their antics as they tour the country.
The Comic Strip Presents... The Beat Generation (1983) - Desmond
A film about the beat scene in the early 1960s. Ade plays Desmond, whose house is taken over by his beatnik friends while his parents are away, and he attempts to fit in with the crowd.
The Comic Strip Presents… War (1983) - Mike/Hatchett/Julio/Bolsen/Man in cage/Jenkins/Zarkoff
Ade plays multiple characters.
The Young Ones (12 episodes, 1982-1984) - Vyvyan
BBC sitcom written by Ben Elton, Lise Meyer and Rik Mayall. This was the show that made Rik, Ade and Nigel Planer into stars. It ran for two series and was about four students sharing a house. Ade played Vyvyan, a loud and violent punk who also happened to be a medical student. Vyvyan remains one of the most iconic comedy characters of all time.
The Comic Strip Presents… Five Go Mad in Dorset (1982) - Dick
The very first Comic Strip film, which aired on Channel 4's launch night. A parody of Enid Blyton's Famous Five books, which sees the children investigate the disappearance of their Uncle Quentin.
The Magnificent One (1982) - Larry
TV play which aired on Channel 4, about a Chinese family in Fulham who are offered help by a mysterious Samurai. This was Ade's first starring role.
Kevin Turvey: The Man Behind The Green Door (1982) - Keith Marshall
A week in the life of Kevin Turvey. This is a Rik Mayall vehicle, but Ade makes a memorable guest appearance as Keith Marshall, Kevin's best mate who sees himself as a musical genius. Check out his hilarious performance, Keith Marshall and his Musical Anarchy.
The Comic Strip (1981) - Adrian Dangerous
A tongue-in-cheek look behind the scenes of The Comic Strip club in the early 80s, directed by Julien Temple. It features the Comic Strip team in character throughout, with a weird plot, but there is a chance to see Rik and Ade doing their Dangerous Brothers act on stage.
Stage Work
Neville's Island (Duke of York's Theatre, 2014-2015) - Gordon
Ade reprises his role as Gordon in the West End production of Neville's Island, which runs from October 2014 to January 2015. His co-stars are Neil Morrissey, Robert Webb and Miles Jupp.
Neville's Island (Chichester Festival Theatre, 2013) - Gordon
Ade played Gordon in Tim Firth's play about four businessmen on a disastrous team-building exercise in the Lake District.
The Life and Times of Young Bob Scallion (Exeter Northcott Theatre, 2003) - Bob Scallion
Ade played the lead role of Bob Scallion, who sets out on a course of betterment on his way to seeking his fame and fortune.
Waiting For Godot (Queens Theatre, 1991) - Estragon
Rik and Ade starred in the West End production of this Samuel Beckett classic, having both previously played the characters in school productions.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Piccadilly Theatre, 1990) - Brad Majors
Ade played Brad in the 1990 West End run, showing off his singing skills in the process. You can hear him on the cast recording which is still available to buy online.
Ade reprises his role as Gordon in the West End production of Neville's Island, which runs from October 2014 to January 2015. His co-stars are Neil Morrissey, Robert Webb and Miles Jupp.
Neville's Island (Chichester Festival Theatre, 2013) - Gordon
Ade played Gordon in Tim Firth's play about four businessmen on a disastrous team-building exercise in the Lake District.
The Life and Times of Young Bob Scallion (Exeter Northcott Theatre, 2003) - Bob Scallion
Ade played the lead role of Bob Scallion, who sets out on a course of betterment on his way to seeking his fame and fortune.
Waiting For Godot (Queens Theatre, 1991) - Estragon
Rik and Ade starred in the West End production of this Samuel Beckett classic, having both previously played the characters in school productions.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Piccadilly Theatre, 1990) - Brad Majors
Ade played Brad in the 1990 West End run, showing off his singing skills in the process. You can hear him on the cast recording which is still available to buy online.
Bibliography
The Gobbler (1996)
This was Ade's first, and so far only, novel. It follows the antics of Julian Mann, a vain, womanising, drunken comedian (and it's not autobiographical!). It's a very revealing look at the world of showbusiness.
The Complete Bastard's Book of the Worst (1988)
A follow-up to the very successful How To Be a Complete Bastard.
How To Be a Complete Bastard (1986)
Co-written with Mark Leigh and Mike Lepine, this hilarious book does exactly what it says on the tin. The style of the book is very much in keeping with Ade's Vyvyan persona.
This was Ade's first, and so far only, novel. It follows the antics of Julian Mann, a vain, womanising, drunken comedian (and it's not autobiographical!). It's a very revealing look at the world of showbusiness.
The Complete Bastard's Book of the Worst (1988)
A follow-up to the very successful How To Be a Complete Bastard.
How To Be a Complete Bastard (1986)
Co-written with Mark Leigh and Mike Lepine, this hilarious book does exactly what it says on the tin. The style of the book is very much in keeping with Ade's Vyvyan persona.
Music
The Bad Shepherds
Formed by Ade in 2008, The Bad Shepherds play punk songs on folk instruments. The current line-up of the band is Ade on vocals and mandolin, Troy Donockley on pipes and whistles and Tim Harries on double bass. They have released three albums so far: Yan, Tyan, Tethera, Methera! (2009), By Hook Or By Crook (2010) and Mud, Blood & Beer (2013), and they are soon to start working on another. Their most recent album, Mud Blood & Beer, featured two original songs written by Ade, including the title track. The Bad Shepherds have toured the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and Australia and have played numerous festivals.
The Idiot Bastard Band
Formed in 2010 by Ade, Neil Innes, Phill Jupitus, Simon Brint and Rowland Rivron. The Idiot Bastard Band specialise in comedy songs, a mixture of originals and covers. They had residencies at the Wilmington Arms in Clerkenwell and Monto Water Rats, and they followed this up with a UK tour in 2012. Sadly, Simon Brint died in 2011, but the band decided to carry on.
Bad News
Bad News were formed for the two Comic Strip films which Ade wrote, but they actually crossed over into the real music world for a while. The band consisted of Ade as singer/guitarist Vim Fuego, Nigel Planer as guitarist Den Dennis, Rik Mayall as bassist Colin Grigson and Peter Richardson as drummer Spider Webb. They released two albums and toured the UK, including that memorable performance at Monsters of Rock. Brian May of Queen produced their debut album, which included a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody. Bad News were supposed to be bad, of course, but both Ade and Nigel Planer could certainly play!
The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
The Bonzos were Ade's heroes when he was growing up, and he eventually went on to write and perform with them. He performed on stage during their 2006 tour and contributed writing and vocals to their 2007 album Pour L'Amour des Chiens.
The Bum Notes
This was a jazz instrumental band formed by Ade, consisting of himself and some session musicians, to perform the Bottom theme music. The song in the closing credits was a cover of Last Night by The Mar-Keys.
Cliff Richard and The Young Ones
The Young Ones characters famously teamed up with Cliff Richard in 1986 to record a new version of Living Doll for Comic Relief. It was a number 1 hit in the UK charts.
Absolutely Fabulous
Ade sang backing vocals on This Wheel's on Fire, the theme song of his wife Jennifer Saunders' sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. The lead vocal was performed by Julie Driscoll.
Quadrophenia
Ade appeared on stage with The Who at their Hyde Park performance of Quadrophenia in 1996, playing Ace Face/Bellboy.
Music Videos
Ade directed numerous music videos in the 80s including Hourglass by Squeeze (which won him an MTV award), Prime Mover by Zodiac Mindwarp, Like The Weather by 10,000 Maniacs, Fiesta by The Pogues and Please Help The Cause Against Loneliness by Sandie Shaw. He has also appeared in music videos himself. He played the rejected boyfriend in the video for Terry by Kirsty MacColl and appeared in Tracey Ullman's video for Sunglasses.
Formed by Ade in 2008, The Bad Shepherds play punk songs on folk instruments. The current line-up of the band is Ade on vocals and mandolin, Troy Donockley on pipes and whistles and Tim Harries on double bass. They have released three albums so far: Yan, Tyan, Tethera, Methera! (2009), By Hook Or By Crook (2010) and Mud, Blood & Beer (2013), and they are soon to start working on another. Their most recent album, Mud Blood & Beer, featured two original songs written by Ade, including the title track. The Bad Shepherds have toured the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and Australia and have played numerous festivals.
The Idiot Bastard Band
Formed in 2010 by Ade, Neil Innes, Phill Jupitus, Simon Brint and Rowland Rivron. The Idiot Bastard Band specialise in comedy songs, a mixture of originals and covers. They had residencies at the Wilmington Arms in Clerkenwell and Monto Water Rats, and they followed this up with a UK tour in 2012. Sadly, Simon Brint died in 2011, but the band decided to carry on.
Bad News
Bad News were formed for the two Comic Strip films which Ade wrote, but they actually crossed over into the real music world for a while. The band consisted of Ade as singer/guitarist Vim Fuego, Nigel Planer as guitarist Den Dennis, Rik Mayall as bassist Colin Grigson and Peter Richardson as drummer Spider Webb. They released two albums and toured the UK, including that memorable performance at Monsters of Rock. Brian May of Queen produced their debut album, which included a cover of Bohemian Rhapsody. Bad News were supposed to be bad, of course, but both Ade and Nigel Planer could certainly play!
The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
The Bonzos were Ade's heroes when he was growing up, and he eventually went on to write and perform with them. He performed on stage during their 2006 tour and contributed writing and vocals to their 2007 album Pour L'Amour des Chiens.
The Bum Notes
This was a jazz instrumental band formed by Ade, consisting of himself and some session musicians, to perform the Bottom theme music. The song in the closing credits was a cover of Last Night by The Mar-Keys.
Cliff Richard and The Young Ones
The Young Ones characters famously teamed up with Cliff Richard in 1986 to record a new version of Living Doll for Comic Relief. It was a number 1 hit in the UK charts.
Absolutely Fabulous
Ade sang backing vocals on This Wheel's on Fire, the theme song of his wife Jennifer Saunders' sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. The lead vocal was performed by Julie Driscoll.
Quadrophenia
Ade appeared on stage with The Who at their Hyde Park performance of Quadrophenia in 1996, playing Ace Face/Bellboy.
Music Videos
Ade directed numerous music videos in the 80s including Hourglass by Squeeze (which won him an MTV award), Prime Mover by Zodiac Mindwarp, Like The Weather by 10,000 Maniacs, Fiesta by The Pogues and Please Help The Cause Against Loneliness by Sandie Shaw. He has also appeared in music videos himself. He played the rejected boyfriend in the video for Terry by Kirsty MacColl and appeared in Tracey Ullman's video for Sunglasses.
documentaries & Reality Shows
Ade at Sea (2014)
Ade presented this series on ITV from March-April 2014. He explores Britain's maritime past and how it continues to influence the lives of people who still depend on the sea today.
Ade in Britain (2011)
Ade travels all over Britain to find out about each region's unique foods and traditions. The series ran on ITV from November-December 2011.
The Dales (2011-2013)
Ade returns to his home county of Yorkshire to meet the people who live and work in the Dales. It ran on ITV for three series from 2011-2013.
Celebrity Masterchef (2013)
Ade competed on cookery show Celebrity Masterchef and won, beating fellow finalists Les Dennis and Janet Street-Porter.
Britain Beware (2012)
Ade presented this one-off programme on the history of British public information films.
That's Britain! (2011)
BBC series which takes a light-hearted look at different aspects of modern life. Ade appeared as a celebrity insider, investigating different topics in each episode.
Hell's Kitchen (2009)
Ade competed on cookery programme Hell's Kitchen and reached the final, finishing as runner-up to Linda Evans.
Comic Relief Does Fame Academy (2005)
Ade competed in Fame Academy for Comic Relief and reached the final, finishing third. This was despite battling a sore throat for much of the competition! He performed the following songs: Tainted Love by Soft Cell, A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley, Turning Japanese by The Vapors, Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf, Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've) by The Buzzcocks, Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli, Crazy Horses by The Osmonds, It Must Be Love by Madness, Fame (theme song of the movie) and Should I Stay Or Should I Go by The Clash. He also performed with the other contestants.
Ade presented this series on ITV from March-April 2014. He explores Britain's maritime past and how it continues to influence the lives of people who still depend on the sea today.
Ade in Britain (2011)
Ade travels all over Britain to find out about each region's unique foods and traditions. The series ran on ITV from November-December 2011.
The Dales (2011-2013)
Ade returns to his home county of Yorkshire to meet the people who live and work in the Dales. It ran on ITV for three series from 2011-2013.
Celebrity Masterchef (2013)
Ade competed on cookery show Celebrity Masterchef and won, beating fellow finalists Les Dennis and Janet Street-Porter.
Britain Beware (2012)
Ade presented this one-off programme on the history of British public information films.
That's Britain! (2011)
BBC series which takes a light-hearted look at different aspects of modern life. Ade appeared as a celebrity insider, investigating different topics in each episode.
Hell's Kitchen (2009)
Ade competed on cookery programme Hell's Kitchen and reached the final, finishing as runner-up to Linda Evans.
Comic Relief Does Fame Academy (2005)
Ade competed in Fame Academy for Comic Relief and reached the final, finishing third. This was despite battling a sore throat for much of the competition! He performed the following songs: Tainted Love by Soft Cell, A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley, Turning Japanese by The Vapors, Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf, Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've) by The Buzzcocks, Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli, Crazy Horses by The Osmonds, It Must Be Love by Madness, Fame (theme song of the movie) and Should I Stay Or Should I Go by The Clash. He also performed with the other contestants.