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: The Christmas Episode

The Christmas Episode

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - Michael Spicer: Before Next Door, Series 2, The Christmas Episode

It’s Christmas, so Michael angers a comedy hero and tears down an office dividing wall.

The Room Next Door Man takes on an ageing anti-woke comedy hero, rails against an oppressive office dividing wall and refuses to accept that this is a Christmas episode.

It’s nearly Christmas 2019, so here’s our Yuletide special. Michael’s wife Roberta thinks he should stand up for himself for a change - which he does at first by stopping any attempts to make the episode excessively festive. But Michael fails to speak up when Josephine announces that a new dividing wall is being built in the office and, with resentment building, Michael’s new junior, Liam, plans to tear it down.

Roberta is hustling for media opportunities to plug Michael’s forthcoming live show. She wants it to become a full tour that catapults him into the category of ‘comedians who actually earn a living'. Michael is persuaded to do a radio panel discussion because childhood comedy hero, Sir Terry McVey, is taking part.

Sir Terry invites Michael to his festive bash which is a total let-down because of the ageing comedian’s anti-woke waffling. This presents Michael with another opportunity to put his foot down which he takes, ensuring a premature exit to a disastrous evening.

Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Greig Johnson, Alison Ward, Jason Forbes, Jamie Borthwick, Peter Curran and Michael Fenton Stevens 

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

Series 2

The Christmas Episode

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