BRITAIN’S smallest cinema will host a tribute to one of UK comedy’s great talents tonight.

Bournemouth Colosseum, the 20-seat cinema beneath the Lavish Life shop in Westbourne arcade, will be showing episodes of The Young Ones, Bottom, The New Statesman and Blackadder in tribute to Rik Mayall, who died this week aged 56.

The evening will end with the much-loved feature film Drop Dead Fred in which he starred as the titular character.

Owner Paul Whitehouse said his original plan to show one of the opening World Cup matches had been shelved in light of Rik’s death.

“I felt incredibly sad to hear the news of Rik’s death,” he said.

“As a lifelong fan of his I am keen to reflect on his amazing career and performances.

“I think Rik is the first of his generation of comedians to die, apart from possibly Mel Smith, but Rik was a bit less well known. I am around the same age as him and people like me have been watching his work for years.

“There has been a lot of interest online, I think the evening will be lots of fun and a great way to celebrate his life.”

Mr Whitehouse said he would be keen to hold a similar event next week if tonight’s showing is a success.

The unusual cinema – which specialises in classic films alongside more current mainstream movies – recently held another tribute evening to celebrate the anniversary of The Great Escape, which raised funds for Star and Garter Home, a residential home for former service personnel.

There are plans for further fundraising nights linked to war film tributes later this year.

The Rik Mayall tribute evening begins at 7pm with drinks and conversation and the first showing at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the normal price of £4.95.

Call Lavish Life on 01202 769092 to book.