Michael Spicer: Before Next Door

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BBC Radio 4 LW

Comedy

What happens when a socially awkward part-time comedian becomes an internet sensation?

What happens when a socially awkward and neurotic part-time comedian becomes a global internet sensation?

What happens when a socially awkward and neurotic part-time comedian becomes a global internet sensation? Michael Spicer: Before Next Door charts Michael's real-life progress - sort of - as his Room Next Door videos amass tens of millions of views online and win him acclaim for his comedy, at last.

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Michael Spicer: Before Next Door: Series 1: Silver Badge

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Series 1

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An awards event for The Room Next Door Man is a cause for angst not celebration.

Asked to present an award at a prestigious event, the Room Next Door Man should be celebrating, but insecurity about his comedy career and the day job puts paid to that.

Things are taking off for our socially awkward and neurotic part-time comedian now he is a fully fledged internet sensation. Michael is asked to attend the Webber’s Comedy Awards, but he is only needed to present an award, not to receive one. Even so, this is the first time Michael has been invited to such a prestigious industry event and wife Roberta insists he attends - as long as she can come too. 

Roberta is more excited about the awards ceremony than Michael, as she spies a chance to network and create new opportunities for his burgeoning comedy career. But his integrity is compromised as organiser Charlie insists Michael says something nice about the sponsor, Webber’s Hot Chocolate. This is difficult for Michael as Webber’s Hot Chocolate tastes like puddles.

His nerves are also stretched by small talk with comedy bore and mainstream sitcom writer Terry Moon while Roberta tries to sell Michael to TV producers in the room. 

And the stress of Michael’s day job as a copywriter at a kitchen worktop company intensifies after an ominous corridor encounter with a new recruit.

As Michael’s anxiety goes full throttle, even a call from 1920s cabaret star and war heroine Josephine Baker fails to calm his nerves and he gives the most explosive presentation speech in the history of the Webber’s Comedy Awards. Or does he?

As Roberta attempts to become Michael’s manager and thrust him into the limelight outside the social media where he has become successful, will he break through into television and radio? It’s only Episode Two so this is still in your hands. Listen to the show. He’s been trying for 20 years with only cult success until now. So give it a sympathy listen, if nothing else. That would be good. 

Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Paterson Joseph, Susan Wokoma, Greig Johnson, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Tara Flynn and Peter Curran.

Writer: Michael Spicer 

Producer: Matt Tiller 

A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

Michael Spicer: Before Next Door: Series 1

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Comedy: Sitcoms

Office bod by day, Room Next Door Man by night. His road to fame is paved with anxiety.

The neurotic part-time comedian finally wins acclaim for his Room Next Door videos. But can he cash in or will his ambitions crash in a mountain of social awkwardness?

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Michael Spicer: Before Next Door

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