Michael Spicer - Before Next Door

What happens when a socially awkward and neurotic part-time comedian becomes a global internet sensation? After an acclaimed pilot, Michael Spicer gets a full series of Michael Spicer: Before Next Door to chart his real-life progress. Of sorts.

Should this married father of two quit as a copywriter for a kitchen worktop company to follow a calling that shows no sign of paying the mortgage, the bills or for a variety of bafflingly expensive anthropomorphic steam trains? Or should he keep juggling the increasingly unmanageable balls of office work, family life and comedy?

As Michael's Room Next Door videos amass tens of millions of views online, he finally wins plaudits for his comedy. But it also leads to awkward encounters with fans, stressful award ceremonies and an audition to play an upbeat cheese string. Michael's wife Roberta pushes him to take chances, wanting him to build on his success while also being desperate to leave her own disappointing job and manage him full-time.

After twenty years of making comedy under the radar, can an ordinary person like Michael successfully navigate the unpredictable road to fame? Only you can decide. By listening to the show. Please.

Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Peter Curran, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Greig Johnson.

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision Production for BBC Radio 4

The road to fame for the office bod and Room Next Door Man is paved with awkwardness.

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? After an acclaimed pilot, Michael Spicer gets a full series of Michael Spicer: Before Next Door to chart his real-life progress. Of sorts.

Should this married father of two quit as a copywriter for a kitchen worktop company to follow a calling that shows no sign of paying the mortgage, the bills or for a variety of bafflingly expensive anthropomorphic steam trains? Or should he keep juggling the increasingly unmanageable balls of office work, family life and comedy?

As Michael's Room Next Door videos amass tens of millions of views online, he finally wins plaudits for his comedy. But it also leads to awkward encounters with fans, stressful award ceremonies and an audition to play an upbeat cheese string. Michael's wife Roberta pushes him to take chances, wanting him to build on his success while also being desperate to leave her own disappointing job and manage him full-time.

After twenty years of making comedy under the radar, can an ordinary person like Michael successfully navigate the unpredictable road to fame? Only you can decide. By listening to the show. Please.

Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Peter Curran, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Greig Johnson.

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision Production for BBC Radio 4

The road to fame for the office bod and Room Next Door Man is paved with awkwardness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His Room Next Door videos are getting tens of millions of views online, a mention in the House of Commons and plaudits from highbrow cultural commentators so, by rights, Michael should be drowning in big money offers. But, in reality, he's sat at his desk writing copy for a kitchen worktop company worrying about the restructuring consultant they've brought in. Getting the axe would be catastrophic for Michael and his family.

This strange position is heightened when A-list British actor Emily Mallaby contacts Michael to invite him to a political dinner party at home. She is starting a new movement to shake up Westminster and wants the famous Room Next Door Man, who lampoons cabinet members so mercilessly, to spearhead the campaign.

At the same time, Michael's wife Roberta is channelling her energy into hustling for Michael as a distraction from having to make a work friend redundant. She secures him an audition for a potentially lucrative commercial. OK, the role is to play a cheesy string, but a gig's a gig and shows that Michael should take Roberta's ambitions to be his manager seriously.

Unfortunately, he fails to acknowledge her skills and they have a massive falling out, just as he needs his wife's advice on the work situation. Michael tries to enlist his eldest son, Sam's help to extract that advice, but he's useless. Perhaps Daddy is expecting too much of a nine-year old?

Both the audition and the political dinner party test Michael's patience and integrity but fortunately Peter Curran is on hand to reassure and unnerve him in equal measure. Can Michael emerge with his principles intact and what will happen when Roberta's ex-colleague Alexandra turns up at her doorstep while Michael is gallivanting with the A-Listers?

Continuing to listen to this excellent comedy series will not only answer those questions, but also make it more likely that Michael will never have to go back to his office job. So please continue to listen. After this, there's only more episode and the tension just keeps on mounting. As do the jokes.

Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Beattie Edmondson, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Peter Curran and Kipp Spicer.

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

An odd A-List invite for the Room Next Door Man and an audition - to play a cheesy string.

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

His Room Next Door videos are getting tens of millions of views online, a mention in the House of Commons and plaudits from highbrow cultural commentators so, by rights, Michael should be drowning in big money offers. But, in reality, he's sat at his desk writing copy for a kitchen worktop company worrying about the restructuring consultant they've brought in. Getting the axe would be catastrophic for Michael and his family.

This strange position is heightened when A-list British actor Emily Mallaby contacts Michael to invite him to a political dinner party at home. She is starting a new movement to shake up Westminster and wants the famous Room Next Door Man, who lampoons cabinet members so mercilessly, to spearhead the campaign.

At the same time, Michael's wife Roberta is channelling her energy into hustling for Michael as a distraction from having to make a work friend redundant. She secures him an audition for a potentially lucrative commercial. OK, the role is to play a cheesy string, but a gig's a gig and shows that Michael should take Roberta's ambitions to be his manager seriously.

Unfortunately, he fails to acknowledge her skills and they have a massive falling out, just as he needs his wife's advice on the work situation. Michael tries to enlist his eldest son, Sam's help to extract that advice, but he's useless. Perhaps Daddy is expecting too much of a nine-year old?

Both the audition and the political dinner party test Michael's patience and integrity but fortunately Peter Curran is on hand to reassure and unnerve him in equal measure. Can Michael emerge with his principles intact and what will happen when Roberta's ex-colleague Alexandra turns up at her doorstep while Michael is gallivanting with the A-Listers?

Continuing to listen to this excellent comedy series will not only answer those questions, but also make it more likely that Michael will never have to go back to his office job. So please continue to listen. After this, there's only more episode and the tension just keeps on mounting. As do the jokes.

Cast: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Beattie Edmondson, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Peter Curran and Kipp Spicer.

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

An odd A-List invite for the Room Next Door Man and an audition - to play a cheesy string.

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

Roberta's networking as Michael's part-time, unpaid manager is finally paying off, and she is beginning to get her husband some serious industry traction. She lines up an audition for the prestigious topical panel show, To Put It Another Way. Unfortunately, this lands Michael in a bear pit of bullying stand-up comedians who are used to the gladiatorial nature of these shows. Encountering a bitter, aggressive stand-up is enough to put Michael off being a comedian for good.

As the restructuring process at work comes to a climax (being re-interviewed for the job he already has) Michael is at a very low ebb. Feeling like a comedy failure after acting as a punch bag at the panel show run through, he is now certain he is for the chop.

In spite of the battering he received in front of an audience at the TV run through, he receives encouragement from stand-up comic Natalie Duke, who gives Michael an idea that might change everything. Could he really could give up the day job?

Roberta is pushing Michael hard to take the plunge and use the platform his Room Next Door following has created to forge a comedy career, with her as his full-time manager, of course. But it seems that she is far more keen to ditch her secure day job than Michael is, especially when his boss at the kitchen worktop company delivers his plan to reorganise the company.

Will Michael take the plunge? Will Roberta take the plunge? Will you take the plunge and give it a listen? It's the last episode so plunge into the other three first and then plunge into this one as the series reaches a satisfying conclusion that also leaves everything open for another series.

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

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

An excruciating TV panel show experience is also revelatory for the Room Next Door Man.

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

Roberta's networking as Michael's part-time, unpaid manager is finally paying off, and she is beginning to get her husband some serious industry traction. She lines up an audition for the prestigious topical panel show, To Put It Another Way. Unfortunately, this lands Michael in a bear pit of bullying stand-up comedians who are used to the gladiatorial nature of these shows. Encountering a bitter, aggressive stand-up is enough to put Michael off being a comedian for good.

As the restructuring process at work comes to a climax (being re-interviewed for the job he already has) Michael is at a very low ebb. Feeling like a comedy failure after acting as a punch bag at the panel show run through, he is now certain he is for the chop.

In spite of the battering he received in front of an audience at the TV run through, he receives encouragement from stand-up comic Natalie Duke, who gives Michael an idea that might change everything. Could he really could give up the day job?

Roberta is pushing Michael hard to take the plunge and use the platform his Room Next Door following has created to forge a comedy career, with her as his full-time manager, of course. But it seems that she is far more keen to ditch her secure day job than Michael is, especially when his boss at the kitchen worktop company delivers his plan to reorganise the company.

Will Michael take the plunge? Will Roberta take the plunge? Will you take the plunge and give it a listen? It's the last episode so plunge into the other three first and then plunge into this one as the series reaches a satisfying conclusion that also leaves everything open for another series.

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

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

An excruciating TV panel show experience is also revelatory for the Room Next Door Man.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Michael can't help but cling on to his office job because he is too fearful to take a leap into the showbiz unknown. And unfortunately for Michael, Roberta's plans hit a bump in the road too.

His office junior, Liam, is in trouble for dismantling the divisive office dividing wall that came down at the Christmas party and Michael feels bad because it was partly - or mostly - his fault.

As a supportive gesture Michael books Liam's carpet fitter brother, Craig, to lay a new carpet in his house. But their interactions are excruciatingly awkward, especially as he is contemplating doing an advert for a betting company but discovers Craig is a recovering gambling addict.

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

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

Roberta's covert plans for Michael's tour and overt plans for a new carpet cause angst.

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

Michael's sold out live show is approaching but Roberta's secret plans for a tour have backfired. The comedy promoters announced the dates without telling her and now Michael's bosses are furious. The company is also facing a takeover by a corporate sleaze ball.

On the plus side, Michael is cast in a big Netflix period drama. It's only two lines but he gets to sport a significant moustache and work with stars like Blake Brooks (Mathew Horne).

With the spotlight on him, Michael is asked to do a ludicrous social media challenge for charity, making him question whether he is suited to a life of frivolousness and insincerity.

As the stress of the live show churns Michael's stomach, Blake Brooks goes all ‘ghost of Christmas past, present and future' diverting him from Roberta's grand plan for comedy superstardom. Will Michael succumb to office life forever or will he see that going on a live tour in 2020 is the best way to end the series?

Performers: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Greig Johnson, Jason Forbes, Alison Ward, Peter Curran and Mathew Horne.

Writer: Michael Spicer
Producer: Matt Tiller

A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4

Should Michael save his colleagues from a corporate wolf or leap aboard the showbiz train?

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