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Until Peter Kay's sitcom Phoenix Nights hit the
screens three years ago, Dave Spikey was a circuit comedian in the
North West.
At that time he still had a day job - and a very
important one at that - working in a Bolton hospital.
From the moment he takes to the stage he makes
it clear that he knows he owes a lot to the fictional working men’s
club run by Brian Potter.
"I thought of calling this the Overnight Success
tour," he quipped within seconds of coming on at the Playhouse.
As well as playing compere Jerry 'The Saint' St
Clair in Phoenix Nights, Spikey also co-wrote both series with Kay.
He’s not shy about repeating some of the behind-the-scenes
stories from filming the show.
Having said all that, it would be unfair to describe
Dave Spikey as a one hit wonder.
His stand-up act is polished and delivered in a
relaxed, cool style that gives the impression of a man at ease with
himself and actually enjoying becoming an 'overnight' success.
It’s not difficult to see why he and Peter Kay
have worked so well together.
Like Kay, much of his act features topics that
we can all associate with. From silly things that mums and dads
say to having problems making yourself understood when you're in
a strange town.
One of the many highlights saw Spikey make jokes
about obituary columns in local newspapers, and all in good taste
too.
Those among the sellout audience who thought they
were coming to see 'The Saint' weren't disappointed either.
For his encore Dave Spikey returned, having traded
his black polo neck and leather jacket for a showbiz white jacket.
He finished with a cabaret version of Cornershop's Brimful Of Asha,
and a classic for all Phoenix Nights fans, the Black Bin Bags Song.
If you've not seen Phoenix Nights you're missing
out. Dave Spikey is a man making the most of the big break given
to him by Channel 4 and on this evidence it's a break he fully deserves.
Dave Spikey performed at the Norwich Playhouse
on 8 November 2003.
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