Sitcom. Phoenix Nights was the show that cemented Peter Kay’s reputation. It grew out of a one off fake documentary called The Services (about the characters frequenting a motorway service station) which in turn led to a 6 part series (again of the faux doco kind) called That Peter Kay Thing, very funny and clever, this series followed 6 different characters living in the Bolton area, one of whom was wheelchair bound working mens club owner Brian Potter, this episode was called In The Club and it was clear that there was plenty of mileage in the character.
Potter runs the Phoenix club with more than a firm hand, he’s bolshy and determined to restore the club back to its former glories. He is forever hosting Search for a Star events, comedy nights and more, aided and abetted by his right hand man Jerry St Clair).
A spin off series featured doormen Max and Paddy (this aired in 2005 and was called Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere) which featured a few appearances by Potter.
Potter, along with Max and Paddy, also took part in the 2005 single for Comic Relief, alongside Tony Christie with a revamp of his 70’s hit “Is This the Way to Amarillo?” It topped the UK charts for 8 weeks.
production details
UK / Channel 4 – Goodnight Vienna – Ovation / 12×30 minutue episodes / Broadcast 14 January 2001 – 12 September 2002
Creator: Peter Kay / Writers: Peter Kay, Neil Fitzmaurice, Dave Spikey / Theme Music: James McColl / Executive Producer: Phil McIntyre / Producers: Mark Herbert, John Rushton
cast
PETER KAY as Brian Potter and Max
DAVE SPIKEY as Jerry St Clair
NEIL FITZMAURICE as Ray Von
PATRICK McGUINESS as Paddy
STEVE EDGE as Alan
TOBY FOSTER as Les
JANICE CONNOLLY as Holy Mary
BEA KELLEY as Marion
ARCHIE KELLY as Kenny
TED ROBBINS as Den Perry
