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Find out how inflatables travel at 30mph down country lanes with Dave Spikey, writer on Phoenix Nights.
Chat Ed : Welcome to this evening's chat with DAVE SPIKEY, writer on That Peter Kay Thing and Phoenix Nights! Oh look who it is... say hello to our guest!
Garethjones : is he here?
Dave Spikey : Hello everybody, how are you? I am well.
Steveweiser : Hi Dave
Neil : Now then Dave
Dave Spikey : Wasn't Leonard great?
Jess : alreet!!!
Steveweiser : Is 'Chain Letters' going to come back?
Dave Spikey laughs
Dave Spikey : Not much chance of that happening. I think I killed it off for good.
Steveweiser : Are you going to write another series of PN, or is there going to be a Max & Paddy spin-off series?
Judge_Meloy : Any chance of a spin off series from Phoenix Nights? maybe Paddy and Max!
Dave Spikey : It's still undecided, but my money would be on a Max and Paddy spin-off with occasional visits back to Phoenix and who knows after that.
Fairy_Lady : Heavy Duty Black Bin Bags is a classic, did you write it yourself
Grey Bin Bag : Do you think Black Bin Bags should get released?
Mr Rola Cola : Yeah, release it!
Dave Spikey : Dear Fairy_Lady - hello! Peter and our musical director, Tony, wrote it. It is an absolute classic and there is a chance that it will be released on a CD of music from the Phoenix club. Either way, I heard somebody singing Corned Beef on karaoke the other day in Horwich.
Roddy : How much of the PN characters are based on real people??
Dave Spikey : Most of our characters are an amalgamation of people we have known or met during our research and we have then exaggerated for comic effect.
Dawn McManus : Who messed up the most during pheonix? The outtakes were fantastic.
Dave Spikey : I think you'll see, without too much effort, that it's definitely Peter Kay who gets fits of the giggles especially when he misses his cue or entrance. But you will also notice that he blames it on everyone else.
Steve1 : How long have you and Peter been writing together?
Gary from Chorley : How did you and Peter meet?
Chat Ed : Welcome to this evening's chat with DAVE SPIKEY, writer on That Peter Kay Thing and Phoenix Nights! Oh look who it is... say hello to our guest!
Garethjones : is he here?
Dave Spikey : Hello everybody, how are you? I am well.
Steveweiser : Hi Dave
Neil : Now then Dave
Dave Spikey : Wasn't Leonard great?
Jess : alreet!!!
Steveweiser : Is 'Chain Letters' going to come back?
Dave Spikey laughs
Dave Spikey : Not much chance of that happening. I think I killed it off for good.
Steveweiser : Are you going to write another series of PN, or is there going to be a Max & Paddy spin-off series?
Judge_Meloy : Any chance of a spin off series from Phoenix Nights? maybe Paddy and Max!
Dave Spikey : It's still undecided, but my money would be on a Max and Paddy spin-off with occasional visits back to Phoenix and who knows after that.
Fairy_Lady : Heavy Duty Black Bin Bags is a classic, did you write it yourself
Grey Bin Bag : Do you think Black Bin Bags should get released?
Mr Rola Cola : Yeah, release it!
Dave Spikey : Dear Fairy_Lady - hello! Peter and our musical director, Tony, wrote it. It is an absolute classic and there is a chance that it will be released on a CD of music from the Phoenix club. Either way, I heard somebody singing Corned Beef on karaoke the other day in Horwich.
Roddy : How much of the PN characters are based on real people??
Dave Spikey : Most of our characters are an amalgamation of people we have known or met during our research and we have then exaggerated for comic effect.
Dawn McManus : Who messed up the most during pheonix? The outtakes were fantastic.
Dave Spikey : I think you'll see, without too much effort, that it's definitely Peter Kay who gets fits of the giggles especially when he misses his cue or entrance. But you will also notice that he blames it on everyone else.
Steve1 : How long have you and Peter been writing together?
Gary from Chorley : How did you and Peter meet?
Dave Spikey : I met Peter when I was compering in the North West Comedian of the Year competition and he helped me write some links for Chain Letters and during our trips up to Tyne Tees TV we found that we shared the same style and interest in comedy and I've kept on writing ever since. In fact we've got several pilots on our show - how they got there I don't bloody know, I must have left the landing light on - ha ha! Sorry ; )
emma222 : are u touring in the south of england??please say yes!!
Mike Brailsford : Hey Dave, u anywhere near Blackpool on ya tour?
Judge_Meloy : Are you going on tour any time soon?
Matt Teece : When does your tour start Dave?
Dave Spikey : My tour is still being finalised, but at the moment my southern dates include: Cambridge, London, Portsmouth, Bristol and near Blackpool I'm doing Bolton and Liverpool. But there will be more to come. Keep an eye on my website. www.davespikey.co.uk
Jonathan : Question for Dave... What was the funniest scene you had to do in Phoenix Nights?
Dave Spikey : Difficult to choose, Jonathan; in series 2 probably filming the Stars in Their Eyes sequence.
pip : Any plans for series 3?
Dave Spikey : As I said before, I wouldn't rule it out, but I don't think it will be the next thing that we do.
Graeme : Are the rumours of a 'Phoenix Nights' film true?
Dave Spikey : No, not as far as I know, I don't know where that one has come from, although it's a great idea.
Lisa : How has your life changed since the explosion of PN on to our screens?
Dave Spikey : I've given up my day job and people shout Jerry the Berry at me all the time on the street! But generally, I'm enjoying the fame after years of working so hard on the comedy circuit. People have been very nice.
Jim : Can you give us some idea of the process of the writing Pheonix Nights betwen the three of you?
Dave Spikey : The writing has varied from series to series. In Phoenix Nights 2 we had an office and tried to work 9-5pm but just ended up fighting all the time, so we reverted to our old system of all going away and writing the same thing, then bringing ready-written material into the office and amalgamating the 3 scripts. It was so much easier than staring at a blank page.
Doug : Are new writers welcomed with open arms by broadcasters or do they get a hard time?
Dave Spikey : Ah, now then. My experience is that it is very difficult for new writers to break into television unless they've got a 'name' attached to the script in some capacity. I think Commissioning Editors are often quite reluctant to take a risk with unknown writers and they really should take more chances.
chris123 : Whos idea was 'Jerry the Berry'? You must've taken some convincing to get into that suit.
Dave Spikey laughs
Dave Spikey : Yeah, we had an idea that there would be a parade through Farnworth, lead by a brass band and Jerry as some sort of mascot. I was chatting on the phone to Peter at the time and trying to find something that rhymed with Jerry, unfortunately, to my dismay, the only thing that rhymes is Berry! It seemed like a good idea at the time. But I look like a giant hernia.
Dave Spikey chuckles
John Campbell : i think a live stage version of Phoenix would be magic what do you think Dave
Dave Spikey : Yes John, I 100% agree. I think with the characters and the setting and the music it would be absolutely suited to a theatre show, the problem is finding time to do it.
Gremlin : What about Phoenix on Ice?
Dave Spikey : Gremlin, are you on some sort of medication? 2 tablets of ambition, 3 times a day, pal.
BoltonWanderer-Marty : Who made that Bouncy Castle? - Who's idea was that?
Brian Potter : What about the six foot cock and balls whose idea was that
emma222 : are u touring in the south of england??please say yes!!
Mike Brailsford : Hey Dave, u anywhere near Blackpool on ya tour?
Judge_Meloy : Are you going on tour any time soon?
Matt Teece : When does your tour start Dave?
Dave Spikey : My tour is still being finalised, but at the moment my southern dates include: Cambridge, London, Portsmouth, Bristol and near Blackpool I'm doing Bolton and Liverpool. But there will be more to come. Keep an eye on my website. www.davespikey.co.uk
Jonathan : Question for Dave... What was the funniest scene you had to do in Phoenix Nights?
Dave Spikey : Difficult to choose, Jonathan; in series 2 probably filming the Stars in Their Eyes sequence.
pip : Any plans for series 3?
Dave Spikey : As I said before, I wouldn't rule it out, but I don't think it will be the next thing that we do.
Graeme : Are the rumours of a 'Phoenix Nights' film true?
Dave Spikey : No, not as far as I know, I don't know where that one has come from, although it's a great idea.
Lisa : How has your life changed since the explosion of PN on to our screens?
Dave Spikey : I've given up my day job and people shout Jerry the Berry at me all the time on the street! But generally, I'm enjoying the fame after years of working so hard on the comedy circuit. People have been very nice.
Jim : Can you give us some idea of the process of the writing Pheonix Nights betwen the three of you?
Dave Spikey : The writing has varied from series to series. In Phoenix Nights 2 we had an office and tried to work 9-5pm but just ended up fighting all the time, so we reverted to our old system of all going away and writing the same thing, then bringing ready-written material into the office and amalgamating the 3 scripts. It was so much easier than staring at a blank page.
Doug : Are new writers welcomed with open arms by broadcasters or do they get a hard time?
Dave Spikey : Ah, now then. My experience is that it is very difficult for new writers to break into television unless they've got a 'name' attached to the script in some capacity. I think Commissioning Editors are often quite reluctant to take a risk with unknown writers and they really should take more chances.
chris123 : Whos idea was 'Jerry the Berry'? You must've taken some convincing to get into that suit.
Dave Spikey laughs
Dave Spikey : Yeah, we had an idea that there would be a parade through Farnworth, lead by a brass band and Jerry as some sort of mascot. I was chatting on the phone to Peter at the time and trying to find something that rhymed with Jerry, unfortunately, to my dismay, the only thing that rhymes is Berry! It seemed like a good idea at the time. But I look like a giant hernia.
Dave Spikey chuckles
John Campbell : i think a live stage version of Phoenix would be magic what do you think Dave
Dave Spikey : Yes John, I 100% agree. I think with the characters and the setting and the music it would be absolutely suited to a theatre show, the problem is finding time to do it.
Gremlin : What about Phoenix on Ice?
Dave Spikey : Gremlin, are you on some sort of medication? 2 tablets of ambition, 3 times a day, pal.
BoltonWanderer-Marty : Who made that Bouncy Castle? - Who's idea was that?
Brian Potter : What about the six foot cock and balls whose idea was that
Dave Spikey : We had the idea for the inflatable when we were writing the treatment for a different sitcom completely. There was a guy who had a latex and rubber factory that was dyslexic who received a commission from the mayor to produce an enormous inflatable clock. The final scene as the clock was delivered was just a montage of country lanes with a giant cock travelling at 30mph.
muury : Where is the inflatable now?
Dave Spikey : I've no idea. Probably been reunited with the other one. It was part of the set and has probably been returned to Amsterdam. Why, did you want it? What's your phone number? Just joking!
catgirl : I'll have it!!
The Phoenix : What was your favourite Episode of Phoenix Nights? What was your favourite Episode of Phoenix Nights?What was your favourite Episode of Phoenix Nights?
stephen : what was your favourite episode of phoenix nights?
Dave Spikey : Phoenix Nights1 - Singles Night when Brian met Beverly and I advised him on sexual technique. Series 2 - episode 1, although it's not everybody's favourite. Watch it again, it has some marvellous moments and the scene at the end where Brian rallies the troops with the entirely inappropriate music of 'Eye Level' belting out in the background is wonderful.
Ewan M : Are there any plans to release 'That Peter Kay thing' on Video/DVD?
Dave Spikey : Not as far as I know. But that's not to say, that it's not going to happen.
holy_mary : Which character in Phoenix Nights do you enjoy writing for the most?
Dave Spikey : I think Brian Potter; he's such a b*****d really. They are always better to write for, although we did have a lot of fun making up Kenny senior's lies.
Camille : Did you ever think that the show would have been this sucessful?
Dave Spikey : We always knew we'd written a great piece of comedy and we sort of hoped that after series 1, when it achieved minor cult status, that this might happen, but the viewing figures (No. 1 in Channel 4 ratings above Friends!) and the massive sales of the DVD have really taken us all by surprise.
chris123 : Do you have an Asda Loyalty Card?
Grey Bin Bag : Do you get treated well in Asda these days then?
Dave Spikey : I go to Asda in Chorley. Whenever I go I get asked where the black bin bags are. I can't find them, they keep changing the bloody aisles around.
monkeyhanger : FREE BIN BAGS?
Dave Spikey : All I know is they're on offer until December.
larry : did you feel the earthquakes today, whats your quake story ???
MarkManUtd : Dave is God
Dave Spikey : I was doing some dummy runs for a new BBC quiz on the top floor of the BBC in Manchester and the whole building shook, twice. It was really quite scary and my below the waist problem flared up again.
Chris Coming in you : Dave, what advice would you give to people wanting to get into the comedy world, either in stand-up on acting?
Dave Spikey : I can only advise on stand-up. Rule number one - you've got to be funny, rule number 2 - when you've got a good 5 minutes of material go to one of the many comedy clubs near you and just try it out. There's no other way.
Steveweiser : Are you going to do PA for Bolton Wanderers any time soon? They need some sort of entertainment...
Dave Spikey : Stop press! I will be speaking at Big Sam's Christmas do on 13th December at the Reebok Stadium. I'm there most weeks. They'll be alright, they just need another striker.
Mr Mick : Thanks for talking to us Dave...
Garlic Bread : Dave is great
The Phoenix : Long Live The Phoenix, Bye Dave
dave justice : i want the das fruit machine
Nei editor : cheers dave
Leighton : das miaow
JohnWood : long li ve the phoenix
nanu : nice one dave
dave_bwfc : the phoenix is rising
Chat Ed : Get Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights on DVD or video from the channel 4 shop - channel4.com/shop
Wane Tavit : Catch ya later Dave, keep up the good work
Dave Spikey : Thanks ever so much for taking the time to visit, if you have any more questions I'll be happy to answer them on the website. Goodnight, God bless.
JohnnyWright : cheers big D
Dave Spikey : Live the dream
muury : Where is the inflatable now?
Dave Spikey : I've no idea. Probably been reunited with the other one. It was part of the set and has probably been returned to Amsterdam. Why, did you want it? What's your phone number? Just joking!
catgirl : I'll have it!!
The Phoenix : What was your favourite Episode of Phoenix Nights? What was your favourite Episode of Phoenix Nights?What was your favourite Episode of Phoenix Nights?
stephen : what was your favourite episode of phoenix nights?
Dave Spikey : Phoenix Nights1 - Singles Night when Brian met Beverly and I advised him on sexual technique. Series 2 - episode 1, although it's not everybody's favourite. Watch it again, it has some marvellous moments and the scene at the end where Brian rallies the troops with the entirely inappropriate music of 'Eye Level' belting out in the background is wonderful.
Ewan M : Are there any plans to release 'That Peter Kay thing' on Video/DVD?
Dave Spikey : Not as far as I know. But that's not to say, that it's not going to happen.
holy_mary : Which character in Phoenix Nights do you enjoy writing for the most?
Dave Spikey : I think Brian Potter; he's such a b*****d really. They are always better to write for, although we did have a lot of fun making up Kenny senior's lies.
Camille : Did you ever think that the show would have been this sucessful?
Dave Spikey : We always knew we'd written a great piece of comedy and we sort of hoped that after series 1, when it achieved minor cult status, that this might happen, but the viewing figures (No. 1 in Channel 4 ratings above Friends!) and the massive sales of the DVD have really taken us all by surprise.
chris123 : Do you have an Asda Loyalty Card?
Grey Bin Bag : Do you get treated well in Asda these days then?
Dave Spikey : I go to Asda in Chorley. Whenever I go I get asked where the black bin bags are. I can't find them, they keep changing the bloody aisles around.
monkeyhanger : FREE BIN BAGS?
Dave Spikey : All I know is they're on offer until December.
larry : did you feel the earthquakes today, whats your quake story ???
MarkManUtd : Dave is God
Dave Spikey : I was doing some dummy runs for a new BBC quiz on the top floor of the BBC in Manchester and the whole building shook, twice. It was really quite scary and my below the waist problem flared up again.
Chris Coming in you : Dave, what advice would you give to people wanting to get into the comedy world, either in stand-up on acting?
Dave Spikey : I can only advise on stand-up. Rule number one - you've got to be funny, rule number 2 - when you've got a good 5 minutes of material go to one of the many comedy clubs near you and just try it out. There's no other way.
Steveweiser : Are you going to do PA for Bolton Wanderers any time soon? They need some sort of entertainment...
Dave Spikey : Stop press! I will be speaking at Big Sam's Christmas do on 13th December at the Reebok Stadium. I'm there most weeks. They'll be alright, they just need another striker.
Mr Mick : Thanks for talking to us Dave...
Garlic Bread : Dave is great
The Phoenix : Long Live The Phoenix, Bye Dave
dave justice : i want the das fruit machine
Nei editor : cheers dave
Leighton : das miaow
JohnWood : long li ve the phoenix
nanu : nice one dave
dave_bwfc : the phoenix is rising
Chat Ed : Get Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights on DVD or video from the channel 4 shop - channel4.com/shop
Wane Tavit : Catch ya later Dave, keep up the good work
Dave Spikey : Thanks ever so much for taking the time to visit, if you have any more questions I'll be happy to answer them on the website. Goodnight, God bless.
JohnnyWright : cheers big D
Dave Spikey : Live the dream
