What the heck is Phoenix Nights?!?

[beenee]

I think this time it really is just me who had never heard of/seen this show before the comedy awards. I consider myself quite a tv-geek, but this one missed me completely... Am I the only one?

[flirty41]

Don't worry beenee - you're not the only one! I've heard of the show, but never ever watched it, although I have heard people rave about it. Another one that's passed me by is Alan Partridge. It doesn't appeal but, again, everyone else seems to think it's wonderful! Are we missing out, do you think?! :-)

[jakesi]

Cant believe it beat The office in the viewers phone vote.

[ravenhair]

Phoenix Nights is excellent, and brilliantly observed, but it didn't get the media attention The Office did; plus, it was on ITV in quite a late time slot (10:30, I think, or maybe even later) so I think that's why a lot of people have never seen it. I'm still glad The Office won, though. I think that's the best thing that's been on TV for years.

[Jike]

The best TV comedy since Porridge.

[beenee]

And I agree about Alan Partridge too, Flirty. I've seen clips of it but that guy's face makes me slightly ill. Also, Graham is on at the same time - Love him!

[Moog]

Phoenix nights was without doubt the best comedy on our screens this year, Peter Kay (who also won the best comedy writer award at the recent comedy awards) both writes and plays a number of roles in the show and is nothing short of a genius, I would walk great distances to see him in anything. I have absolutely no doubt that it deserved to beat The Office (though again pure comedy genius). I would highly recommend you buy, rent, borrow or steal the first series which is out on video/DVD at the moment and spend your Xmas avoiding the rubbish that appears to be scheduled by watching it.

[Moog]

It was on Channel 4 btw

[flirty41]

So, to beenee's original question, what IS Phoenix Nights - what's it all about? I still don't know!

[Cactus]

It's about wheelchair bound club owner, Brian Potter - and his doomed attempts to be at the top of "club land". His Phoenix Club seems to burn down at the start and end of each series (hence the name, Phoenix Club). The characters in it are brilliant. Max & Paddy, the two doormen - young Kenny, the Man City fan (aka Sheerkahn in the second series), - the older Keny, a pathological liar - and one of the best characters, Jerry St Clair (real name Jerry Dignan, played by co-writer Dave Spikey), a club singer and Brian Potter's long suffering friend. My favourite scene of both series is where Brian and Jerry are in the gents toilet, and Brian asks Jerry for some advice with the ladies. The hand dryer drowns out nearly all of what is said, but Brian's expression on his face and Jerry's hand jestures will have you rolling on the floor. I think i'm getting the first series DVD from someone for Xmas, i can't wait. =o)

[coemgen]

I think Phoenix nights is brilliant, Peter Kay is also great as a stand up comedian. I don't rate the office that highly, but BO' Selecta is another underrated comedy.

[flirty41]

Thanks Cactus! Erm, I don't think the DVD will be on my Xmas list, however! But *you* enjoy it!! :-)

[TheheftyGeorge]

DVD? I prefer Laserdick