Phoenix Nights

Just by fluke, I happened to catch an episode of this funny-as-all-hell show while vacationing in the UK. To the powers that be (being the TV station heads here in Canada): please pick up Phoenix Nights, and begin airing episodes here ASAP! This is too funny to miss! And as a plug to Canadian audiences: This could easily be a British companion piece to our "Trailer Park Boys" (except way better!)

This is what comedy, and for that matter films, are all about. The characters are deep, real and extremely funny. The beauty is that these are all people we know. At times you may not notice, but Peter Kaye plays several of the characters. My personal favourite is fire officer Keith Lard who interferes with dogs in the worst possible way and has no connection whatsoever with Keith Laird of Bolton Fire Service. Max and Paddy probably take the prize of the regular crew. One of the great things about this series is that every time you watch it, you spot something else that's funny and make sure you listen to the music that's playing. The good news is that series 2 is now out and Max and Paddy will return in their own programme at some point.

Clubland will never die.

Well not if Peter Kay keeps treating us to this little lovely. Phoenix Nights is one of those rare comedies. Rare as in its actually funny (see ‘Ed Stone is dead'. Which is so unfunny its basically the ‘Anti-Phoenix').

Anyone who has grown up in the north will instantly recognise virtually everything that happens in the Phoenix. The theme nights, the cheesy compere, the ugly regulars who sit there all day on a pint of mild. Its all there. Which is one of peter kays strengths. Brilliant observation in all of his work.

The writing is incredibly strong and the performances are first rate. The comedy set pieces in each episode will have you in tears (‘The Stannah Stairlift Seduction' and the ‘Erotic Bouncy castle' are standouts).

Season 1 and 2 are, in my opinion, equally as good as each other. And, although it isn't really fair to judge the two together, I actually prefer the Phoenix to The Office. Judged purely on laugh out loud moments Peter Kays superb series just edges it for me.

I didn't think it could get any funnier. Then I watched the DVD with the directors commentary….

Peter Kay / Dave Spikey are stand up comedians, very funny ones @ that along with Neil (shabba!) fitzpatrick, hopefully they are getting the reorganization for their work now. They draw a lot of comedy from real life things, which is why things like PN is so funny. (Fawty Towers, is another good example of such a thing).

I have a friend from up north (near Bolton) was shocked I knew about such working man clubs. Thing is, if your Irish, or of Irish origins, like me and used to go Irish clubs with parents, its really the same thing, and you can relate.

This show and the stand up comedy DVD's Peter / Dave have done, will have you laughing esp. the "bolton halls - mum needs a bungalow" one. They were clever in making the series as there is SO much scope with it, and hopefully more series will follow.

If you are a Brit abroad, or have watched a lot of UK TV, you would relate to many things , such as Jim "the" Bowen (super/smashing/great) being featured in it. Maybe other people would miss some of the jokes, but there is jokes in there everyone would get.

Some jokes are very subtle, and it's one you'd have to re-watch. Which is good, Naked gun, Aeroplane etc are the same in that respect. I think its like comedy I've watched from oversea's such as kids in the hall, red & green show etc. Although some of the jokes are localised, there are things in there to make you laugh.

If you like comedy which is based on real life , you'll like this. The cast is good, except the one who was the youth club dj.. he slated the show later after winning an award.. I don't find him as funny as a stand up comedian anyway, just thought it was a bit snipey TBH

DEN PERRY DID IT!!! =)

This comedy, which ran for two series, was co-written by and starred (in several roles), Bolton comic Peter Kay, who has his finger perfectly on the breathing pulse of North West England (speaking as someone the same age as Kay who comes from a part of the NW not a million miles from Bolton). Phoenix Nights was set in a lousy Northern club with 'entertainment', bingo, and droll staff, just the kind of club that existed in the 1970s and 1980s.

Brian Potter, owner and sometime licensee, is wheelchair bound and sarcastic, with his wingeing voice and blustering manner. Played by Kay he is a great creation. The main target for Brian's verbal attacks is Jerry 'St Clair' (Dave Spikey) who acts as compère and - at times - terrible entertainer. Doormen Max (Kay again) and Paddy (Patrick McGuinness) went on to have their own spin-off series.

Alongside the long-running feud between Potter and Den Perry (Ted Robbins), the high points of Phoenix Nights includes the variety 'auditions' which ended each episode (who could forget the doves which flew into the air condition fans, or the ping pong lady?). The audience at the Phoenix were real-life Bolton residents, and their reactions are absolutely genuine.

I have two favourite episodes - the one with the outdoor entertainment ('Sammy the Snake' (!), and the Children's Activity Hut, formerly the Gents loo); and the Stars in Their Eyes episode (with the jam-jar glassed club worker as Gary Glitter, and Jerry and Brian as Elton John and George Michael).

It ended far too soon but the two series that were made are the stuff that makes classic comedy.