Michael Spicer: Before Next Door

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

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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.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Michael Spicer: Before Next Door: Series 2: Water Slide

Water Slide

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - Michael Spicer: Before Next Door, Series 2, Water Slide

The Room Next Door Man faces executive stress and election trauma as his fame expands.

The 2019 election provides the Room Next Door Man with a new platform. But office stress and family swimming trips send him down the water slide to an anxiety apocalypse.

Room Next Door Man, Michael Spicer, charts his real-life progress to global internet stardom. However, this rags to riches story is still lacking in riches so Michael has accepted a promotion at work and continues to plug away on Twitter.  

We re-join the story in December 2019 on a family swimming trip that is as damp and disappointing as Michael’s comedy career to date, but the impending general election coverage provides an opportunity for media attention.

Meanwhile, an office workshop led by Conservative-supporting, communications guru Benjamin Cruz (Sanjeev Bhaskar) provides extra stress. Cruz thinks Michael's comedy should be more politically balanced, something the BBC echoes by interrupting the episode to ensure Michael is performing with total impartiality.

To further fuel Michael's anxiety, his wife Roberta wants him to stuff the day job and go on tour - with her as his full-time manager. 

Can Michael seize the day while also holding onto the job that pays his mortgage?

Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Jamie Borthwick, Alison Ward, Greig Johnson, Jason Forbes, Peter Curran, and guest starring Sanjeev Bhaskar 

Writer: Michael Spicer 
Producer: Matt Tiller 

A Starstruck and Tillervision Production for BBC Radio 4

Michael Spicer: Before Next Door: Series 2

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

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

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Michael Spicer: Before Next Door

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