British Comedy Guide
Love British Comedy Guide? Support our work by making a donation. Find out more
Early Doors. Duffy (Phil Mealey). Copyright: Phil McIntyre Entertainment
Phil Mealey

Phil Mealey

  • Actor and writer

Press clippings

Scott Bennett sitcom in the works for the BBC

Scott Bennett is developing his own sitcom for the BBC, as well as adapting his stand-up show Blood Sugar Baby for a Radio 4 special and book.

British Comedy Guide, 7th May 2025

A British Cheers remake? The UK already has the perfect pub-set sitcom

If it's a British version of Cheers you're after, then one already exists in the form of Craig Cash and Phil Mealey's excellent comedy Early Doors.

Louisa Mellor, Den Of Geek, 1st October 2024

The Guardian view on working-class comedy: welcome back Early Doors

Together with The Royle Family, the northern sitcom is a countercultural classic that still speaks to our times.

The Guardian, 6th January 2023

Early Doors co-creator speaks out on third season as hit show returns to BBC

Fans of the classic Manc comedy series are demanding a new series from the BBC - there's even a petition.

Dianne Bourne, Manchester Evening News, 29th December 2022

Early Doors Live released for NHS charity

A recording of the Early Doors Live stage show has been released for rental, in aid of Manchester-based NHS cancer treatment charity The Christie.

British Comedy Guide, 13th September 2021

Royle Family 2009 Xmas special had disastrous blunder

After days of hard work filming integral scenes, there was horror when the footage came back from the processing lab. Two days worth of filming was for The Golden Egg Cup was ruined - putting the whole episode in jeopardy. And it came at a staggering cost - £100,000.

Kyle O'Sullivan, The Mirror, 24th December 2020

Early Doors creators confirm show won't return to TV

The comedy duo are bringing their Manchester-based pub sitcom back to The Lowry.

Katie Fitzpatrick, Manchester Evening News, 19th March 2019

Chortle Awards 2019 nominees

The nominees have been revealed for the 2019 Chortle Awards. Kiri Pritchard-McLean leads the lists, with four nominations.

British Comedy Guide, 26th February 2019

The most memorable comedy gigs of 2018

Chortle editor Steve Bennett's personal top ten

Steve Bennett, Chortle, 31st December 2018

Review: Early Doors

The script is packed with gags and some great one-liners, but it still flows well as a play and keeps the attention, although perhaps some of the serious scenes went on a bit too long.

David Chadderton, British Theatre Guide, 5th September 2018

Share this page