Phil Mealey
- Actor and writer
Press clippings
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 2024The 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 2023Early 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 2022Early 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 2021Royle 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 2020Early 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 2019Chortle 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 2019The most memorable comedy gigs of 2018
Chortle editor Steve Bennett's personal top ten
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 31st December 2018Early Doors review
Full of geniality and honest humour, the stage incarnation is a real crowd-pleaser, guaranteed - with the aid of an unexpected musical finale - to send the audience home with an inner glow equivalent to a couple of large brandies. Doubles all round!
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 5th September 2018Theatre review: Early Doors at the Lowry, Salford
An updating of the BBC sitcom does a fine, if predictable job of recapturing the ready wit and meandering storytelling of the original.
Dominic Maxwell, The Times, 5th September 2018