Berserker! By Adrian Edmondson
Adrian Edmondson’s memoir Berserker! is exactly what you’d expect from one of British comedy’s anarchic legends: a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and unexpected emotional depth. If you thought Edmondson was just that wild-eyed lunatic from The Young Ones or Bottom, prepare to be blindsided by his ability to turn raw life experiences into something genuinely touching—without losing the manic humor.
Berserker! is the story of Edmondson’s evolution from a strict Methodist upbringing and brutal boarding schools (the kind that could make Dickens look like a holiday brochure) to his reign over the 1980s alternative comedy scene. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Edmondson, alongside Rik Mayall, became synonymous with slapstick violence and irreverence, and somehow didn’t get permanently injured in the process. His career spans The Young Ones, Bottom, and dabbling in music (remember Bad News?), which is presented with equal parts nostalgia and self-deprecation.
Edmondson’s style is conversational, sharp, and witty—like having a pint with that hilarious uncle who’s lived a little too much. His humor is, unsurprisingly, top-notch, but it’s the vulnerability woven into his anecdotes that make this memoir stand out. There’s a refreshing openness, especially when discussing his complicated relationship with his father, his years in a vicious boarding school, and the tragic loss of Rik Mayall. The pacing? Perfect. The book zips along faster than a punchline from Bottom.
At its core, Berserker! is about survival—not just of the physical pratfall variety, but of the emotional and psychological kind. It explores how creativity can emerge from pain and dysfunction, with Edmondson’s comedy often acting as a release valve for the darker parts of his life. The book touches on themes of friendship, particularly his volatile yet deep connection with Mayall, and the way their partnership defined much of his career.
You’ll laugh, no question. But you might also find yourself uncomfortably moved. Edmondson’s reflections on mental health, loss, and the constant imposter syndrome that seemed to follow him, even at the height of his fame, give the book an unexpected gravitas. And if you’ve ever been a fan of British comedy, there’s plenty of name-dropping (hello, Joni Mitchell?) that will keep your inner nerd satiated.
For a book titled Berserker!, it’s remarkably coherent. Edmondson balances the madcap energy of his younger days with moments of introspection, making for a read that feels both wild and warmly human. There’s never a dull moment, and despite the frenetic stories, it all fits together in a way that feels surprisingly polished.
If you loved The Young Ones, Bottom, or have a soft spot for British comedy, this book is for you. But even if you’ve never heard of Rik Mayall (and seriously, where have you been?), Berserker! will still resonate. It’s a story about embracing chaos, surviving trauma, and—occasionally—getting kissed by Joni Mitchell.
In Berserker!, Edmondson proves he’s more than just a funny face. It’s a riotous ride, sure, but there’s a tenderness here that sneaks up on you—right before you’re metaphorically hit over the head with a frying pan. Grab this book, buckle up, and prepare to feel, as much as you laugh.
