Phoenix Nights: Series 2 [DVD]

Arguably one of the finest comedy programmes of recent times, the second series of Phoenix Nights is a superbly written, frequently hilarious continuation of the adventures of wheelchair-bound Brian Potter and his Bolton-based social club.

Picking up where the first series left off, with the Phoenix Club lying in ashes after being burned to the ground by Potter’s nemesis Den Perry, the second season wastes little time getting things back up and running. And with the Phoenix soon back in business, the series then follows the likes of a semi-successful booze cruise, the legendary Phoenix fun day, the return of Talent Trek and bumbling doormen Max and Paddy taking on a hitman contract.

And yet all these plot points are incidental to the constant bombardment of acutely observed humour, and the consistently entertaining performances of a simply superb ensemble cast. Peter Kay may get the headline attention, unsurprising as Phoenix Nights arguably marks his career high to date, yet Dave Spikey, Daniel Kitson and Ted Robbins are also sublime.

The end result is just brilliant, with umpteen standout and quotable moments. At its peak, incredibly funny, and at its worst still very worthy of your time, the second series of Phoenix Nights eclipses the first, easily overshines the spin-off series Max & Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, and rightly takes it place as a modern day television classic.--Simon Brew