RIK MAYALL’S former school has paid tribute to the comedy actor describing him as a “thoroughly sociable, well-liked an influential member of his year”.
Mayall, who died at the age of 56, on Monday (June 9) attended King’s School Worcester from 1968 until 1975 with his brother Anthony and sister Kate.
While he was at the school in Chappel house, his housemaster, John Turner, said he was: “A lively extrovert personality; he is thoroughly sociable, well-liked and an influential member of his year”.
In another report, his English teacher, said: “He is well motivated and has good experience of practical drama (I think he’s really quite talented here)!”
He studied English, History and Geograpy at A level but his great passion was always for the Theatre and he was involved with many school productions including notable performances in ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’ and ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.
Over the years he had sporadic contact with the school and, as a regular visitor to Malvern Festival Theatre, often bumped into members of staff and fellow pupils.
Headmaster, Tim Keyes, said the whole school sent their sincere condolences and best wishes to his family.
“Rik’s school record is a reminder that it is often not the conventionally able people or high achievers who go on be most fulfilled and successful in life,” he said.
“Rik was a bright boy at King’s, but it was drama not academic study that really motivated him. It is an important message for current pupils that being passionate about one activity, whatever that may be, is so often the key that unlocks later opportunity.
“You do not have to be an all-rounder or win prizes on Speech Day. Rik was a brilliant and unconventional comedian who gave enormous pleasure to millions of people.”
