act_of_bob It seems strange why Peter Kay, Dave Spikey and Neil Fitzmaurice had to rewrite their previous vehicle "That Peter Kay Thing" when the elements of Phoenix Nights already lay within that underrated little gem; perhaps an issue over writing credits. The result is perhaps one of Channel 4's all-time great comedy's that surely rank alongside Father Ted and Spaced. From beginning to end Phoenix Night's combines side-splitting and subtle humour that will leave you laughing long after the dvds sell-by date, and a highly emotive storyline that will draw you in right up to the Goodnight Vienna credit.Phoenix Night's is an ageing working-man's club operated by the cantankerous Brian Potter (Kay) and his compère (Spikey), who both seek to organise wackier events to draw in the locals. Despite their hard-fought efforts you can rely upon their crack-brained schemes to end in chaotic hilarity; such as organising a gun-slinging contest between Lancashire and Yorkshire, or booking a highly inappropriate pyhsic.Another strength of the series is the use of Kay's comedic friends and the local residents of Bolton, transforming what could have been a run-of-mill situation comedy into an entirely believable working- class environment that could have been plucked from any working- town in England. As such the characterisation and interaction between the actors and the locals will leave you identifying with the characters and coming to love or hate them as much you would with any local club in your community..Kay stated he is so proud of what they accomplished with Phoenix Nights, and it is impossible to disagree: Phoenix Nights is flawless.

general-melchett Let's be honest here - comedies set in working men's clubs are now an old idea now. Phoenix Nights is great, however, and is made better by the fact that it all could happen in real life. Some of the gags are hilarious - and it is good to see how this show has not been ruined by a rubbish third series. My favourite episode was the one where Brian Potter and the guys held a fun day to reopen the Phoenix Club - I was literally wetting myself with laughter when "Sammy Snake" rose up in front of an audience watching Jerry sing. The second series is personally my favourite, but the first series has such brilliant things to offer as - a racist folk band, a Western evening from hell, and the prospect of a horrible future for the Phoenix Club. It set the way for a second series, and it is good to see how that managed to maintain the strength of this show's comedy - it can also be quite moving in parts. Phoenix Nights saw when it reached its peak and stopped before it jumped the shark - unlike Little Britain, which is constantly being mined for a hint of a gag and will soon become rather hated than loved. And Brian Potter can be far funnier than Andy and Lou. This was definitely the thing that established Peter Kay as one to be reckoned with - and I can see why. Phoenix Nights is pure genius - prepare to be amused! 9/10

asio-1 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 TBHDEN PERRY DID IT!!! =)

SammyK 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!)