BBC sitcom Early Doors to return as live show
- Sitcom Early Doors is to revived as a live stage show in Manchester
- The comedy is written by and stars Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, who also direct the live version
- Last seen on TV in 2004, the play will be on at the Lowry in Salford from August 2018
Early Doors, the pub-set sitcom written by and starring Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, is to return as a live stage show in 2018.
The show will be staged at The Lowry in Salford from August 2018. The promoters say: "The Grapes Pub will reopen its doors for a limited season in a not-to-be-missed night of fun and laughter." Tickets
Set in a small Manchester pub, Early Doors launched on BBC Two in 2003. It observes the antics of put upon landlord Ken, his adopted daughter Melanie and the colourful array of regulars who would drink in the pub. The comedy ran for 12 episodes across two series.
Fans of the show have frequently called for the creators to return to the format and now, 14 years after the sitcom was last seen on television, it has been confirmed they will be able to spend more time with the characters.
Early Doors Live will see Cash and Mealey reprising their characters, Joe and Duffy, in an all-new storyline, with a number of the sitcom's other actors also signed up to return for the stage version.
The new play, which has been written and directed by the duo, is being promoted with the tagline: "Brand new story, same old regulars".
The play's description is as follows: "Ken's got love on his mind, but will barmaid, Tanya, ring the landlord's bell? Old Tommy would play Cupid - if only he didn't have IBS (Irritable Bugger's Syndrome). Crime is on the rise but fear not, as local cops Phil and Nige are getting stuck in... to a couple of pints in the back room. After all, 'Crime can't crack itself.'"
John Henshaw will return as Ken; with Joan Kempson back as lazy cleaner Winnie; Lisa Millett as pub regular Debbie; and James Quinn as corrupt policeman Phil. Further casting is to be confirmed shortly.
Craig Cash and Phil Mealey say: "Writing Early Doors again has been a joy and we're really excited by the results. Putting it on stage for the first time ever will be a huge thrill. One that we hope you will come along and share."
Early Doors - Series 1 & 2
All twelve episodes of Early Doors are in this two disc box set. It's a gentle yet compelling story of life, love, loneliness and blocked urinals.
First released: Monday 26th September 2005
DVD- Distributor: 2 Entertain
- Region: 2
- Discs: 2
- Catalogue: BBCDVD1869
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