PhoneShop
- TV sitcom
- E4 / Channel 4
- 2009 - 2013
- 19 episodes (3 series)
E4 sitcom set in a mobile phone shop following a dysfunctional sales team of five as they try to reach big sales targets. Stars Tom Bennett, Martin Trenaman, Andrew Brooke, Javone Prince and Emma Fryer
Episode menu
Pilot - New Man
Further details
On High Street UK the priority is to 'shift units, make money, smash targets...' and no one knows that better than the staff of PhoneShop. New recruit Christopher is on the infamous one day trial, but will he make his first sale by 6pm and secure the job?
In this pilot episode, Christopher, the 'new man', is charged with replacing super salesman 'Little' Gary Patel (who has been arrested - again - for attacking the lads from Top Shop). Christopher, a graduate, needs to quickly adapt to this new world where street smart is the order of the day and degrees count for nothing. Will he survive the dreaded one-day trial? And if he does will he fit in with the rest of the team?
Broadcast details
- Date
- Friday 13th November 2009
- Time
- 10:05pm
- Channel
- Channel 4
- Length
- 30 minutes
Cast & crew
| Tom Bennett | Christopher |
| Martin Trenaman | Lance |
| Andrew Brooke | Ashley |
| Javone Prince | Jerwayne |
| Emma Fryer | Janine |
| Ellena Stacey | Pay As You Go Customer |
| Paul Pariser | Les |
| Claire Vousden | Middle-Aged Customer |
| Kobna Holdbrook-Smith | Graham |
| Ninette Finch | Elderly Customer |
| Phil Bowker | Writer |
| Jon MacQueen | Writer (Additional Material) |
| Ricky Gervais | Script Editor |
| Phil Bowker | Director |
| Phil Bowker | Producer |
| Caroline Wyard | Line Producer |
| Jon Blow | Editor |
| Simon Rogers | Production Designer |
| Sally Broome | Casting Director |
| Fiona Chilcott | Costume Designer |
| Martin Hawkins | Director of Photography |
| Marion McCormack | Make-up Designer |
| Patrick Conroy | 1st Assistant Director |
Press
With a script supervised by Ricky Gervais (though it's not clear whether he helped with the gags or just read it and gave a regal wave), the latest Comedy Showcase pilot takes its cue from the absurdity of mobile phone shops, which will be instantly familiar if you've ever had to go into one for any reason at all. Writer Phil Bowker, who produced Pulling, does a great job of keeping it as quick as the jokes are tight. Should it be turned into a series? Yes please.
Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian, 13th November 2009