1980s.  Rik, the Peoples Poet was a solo act by Rik Mayall (qv); Vyvyan  was a development of Adrian Edmondson (qv)s half of Twentieth  Century Coyote (with Rik Mayall); Neil was originally  Nigel Planer (qv)s inept (and depressed) folk singer; while Mike  was based on Peter Richardson (I) (qv)s performance as half of  The Outer Limits (with Nigel Planer). It was originally intended  that Richardson should join the show, but when he declined, the role  was offered to Christopher Ryan (I) (qv).