Pilot

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

20080107

Even in the Internet age, there's still a huge romantic buzz about a great ship. And as she manoeuvres her vast bulk round the buoys and bars of our great ports both the sleek liner and the towering container vessel will usually draw a crowd.

In this feature, keen sailor Libby Purves takes to the water to tell the little-known story of the men and women whose job it is to guide these big ships safely home in the best and the worst of weathers....and out to sea again - the ship's pilot.

Presented by Libby Purves.

Produced by Simon Elmes.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.

Libby Purves meets the men and women who guide the big ships in and out of port.

20080107

20081218 (R4)

Presented by Libby Purves.

Produced by Simon Elmes.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.

Libby Purves meets the men and women who guide the big ships in and out of port.

20200618

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.

But how will Michael cope?

Will this married father of two ever be able to quit his day job as a copywriter for a kitchen worktop company? Why is the broadcaster Peter Curran in his house? And could hang-gliding with BBC Radio 5Live presenter Emma Barnett be a way to advance his career?

After 20 years of making comedy under the radar, Michael is now on the cusp of leaving the office behind and - with the help of his wife Roberta - making a living out of being funny. But will an ordinary person like Michael be able to successfully navigate the unpredictable road to fame? Well, probably not, no.

Performers: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Peter Curran and Emma Barnett.

Writer: Michael Spicer
Producer: Matt Tiller

TalkRadio interview with Boris Johnson from TalkRadio / News Licensing.

A Starstruck production for BBC Radio 4

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

20200618

20220811 (R4)

But how will Michael cope?

Performers: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Peter Curran and Emma Barnett.

Writer: Michael Spicer

Producer: Matt Tiller

TalkRadio interview with Boris Johnson from TalkRadio / News Licensing.

A Starstruck production for BBC Radio 4

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

Episodes

First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
20080107		Even in the Internet age, there's still a huge romantic buzz about a great ship. And as she manoeuvres her vast bulk round the buoys and bars of our great ports both the sleek liner and the towering container vessel will usually draw a crowd. In this feature, keen sailor Libby Purves takes to the water to tell the little-known story of the men and women whose job it is to guide these big ships safely home in the best and the worst of weathers....and out to sea again - the ship's pilot. Presented by Libby Purves. Produced by Simon Elmes. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008. Libby Purves meets the men and women who guide the big ships in and out of port.
20080107	20081218 (R4)	Even in the Internet age, there's still a huge romantic buzz about a great ship. And as she manoeuvres her vast bulk round the buoys and bars of our great ports both the sleek liner and the towering container vessel will usually draw a crowd. In this feature, keen sailor Libby Purves takes to the water to tell the little-known story of the men and women whose job it is to guide these big ships safely home in the best and the worst of weathers....and out to sea again - the ship's pilot. Presented by Libby Purves. Produced by Simon Elmes. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008. Libby Purves meets the men and women who guide the big ships in and out of port.
20200618		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. But how will Michael cope? Will this married father of two ever be able to quit his day job as a copywriter for a kitchen worktop company? Why is the broadcaster Peter Curran in his house? And could hang-gliding with BBC Radio 5Live presenter Emma Barnett be a way to advance his career? After 20 years of making comedy under the radar, Michael is now on the cusp of leaving the office behind and - with the help of his wife Roberta - making a living out of being funny. But will an ordinary person like Michael be able to successfully navigate the unpredictable road to fame? Well, probably not, no. Performers: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Peter Curran and Emma Barnett. Writer: Michael Spicer Producer: Matt Tiller TalkRadio interview with Boris Johnson from TalkRadio / News Licensing. A Starstruck production for BBC Radio 4 Office bod by day, Room Next Door Man by night. His road to fame is paved with anxiety.
20200618	20220811 (R4)	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. But how will Michael cope? Will this married father of two ever be able to quit his day job as a copywriter for a kitchen worktop company? Why is the broadcaster Peter Curran in his house? And could hang-gliding with BBC Radio 5Live presenter Emma Barnett be a way to advance his career? After 20 years of making comedy under the radar, Michael is now on the cusp of leaving the office behind and - with the help of his wife Roberta - making a living out of being funny. But will an ordinary person like Michael be able to successfully navigate the unpredictable road to fame? Well, probably not, no. Performers: Michael Spicer with Ellie Taylor, Joanna Neary, Peter Curran and Emma Barnett. Writer: Michael Spicer Producer: Matt Tiller TalkRadio interview with Boris Johnson from TalkRadio / News Licensing. A Starstruck production for BBC Radio 4 Office bod by day, Room Next Door Man by night. His road to fame is paved with anxiety.