Phil Mealey reflects on Early Doors, Scriptwriting, and JB Shorts

Actor and writer, Phil Mealey is probably best known for Early Doors.

But he has had quite the career, whilst working as an engineer, he appeared on South Manchester radio station KFM alongside Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, Terry Christian and Jon Ronson.

He has worked on radio with Mark and Lard, he has appeared in The Royle Family and written episodes, including the highly acclaimed The Queen of Sheba which he co-wrote with Craig Cash and Caroline Aherne.

Early Doors – the beloved TV comedy has also been a stage hit and Phil wrote this with Craig Cash.

It was so popular, it began life at the Quays Theatre, the smaller space in the Lowry, and went on to be staged at the Manchester Evening News Arena, as well as theatres and arenas all over the country. Phil also teaches on a writing course called The Art of Scriptwriting.

He has just written a mini play for the biannual treat that is JB Shorts which runs at 53two next month. We caught up with him to find out more.

Tell us a little bit about your short play. What’s it about?

A man in his mid-fifties unexpectedly finds his father has moved into his house. The father, still clinging to his old role as the dominant figure in their relationship, tries to reassert his authority. Naturally, the son resists, and their power struggle leads to lots of hilarious comedy. Well, that’s the plan anyway!

What challenges are there in writing something so concise to fit a 15 minute time frame?

It’s obviously challenging to develop the characters with the depth you’d like in such a short time. Since it’s a comedy, I’ve focused on bringing out the humour as my main priority.

You teach script writing. What do you think makes a good script?

I think it’s a combination of strong relatable characters, an engaging storyline and real sounding dialogue that engages an audience and elicits a reaction. As long as that reaction isn’t to stop watching it.

Early Doors is still quoted by fans to this day. Why do you think the show has endured for so long?

Because it is written with love for the people it represents. It’s authentic and heartwarming and like my mum says about comedy, it doesn’t matter how old it is funny’s funny!

What is your favourite line from the show?

Melanie’s reply to her adoptive dad, Ken, after meeting her biological father. When Ken tells her he’s happy she met him because ‘you only get one dad,’ and she responds, ‘And you’re mine. Oh! And Joan’s reply in pub quiz when Ken’s asks what the capital of Chile is and Joan replies ‘I think it’s Con Carne! Eddie!’

If someone is a newcomer to JB Shorts, why would you recommend it as a night out?

I’ve been to JB Shorts many times and it’s a great night full of variety. You might like some of the plays, you might like all of them, but you never have to wait long to find out. And, just like the 192 buses into town, there’s one every 15 minutes!

JB Shorts is at 53two from 2nd – 12th April and you can book tickets here