Phil Ellis Is Trying

Phil Ellis Is Trying (2018-2020, United Kingdom)

Phil Ellis is running his business from a small office above the costume and memorabilia shop belonging to his landlord, Johnny. Well, "running" is an overstatement, he is in charge of it. Well, "in charge" suggests he has control over it, while in reality... Let’s just say he has a business... from time to time. He is an entertainer for hire. Although "entertainer" is also a bit of a stretch, but he is for hire. Usually he is desperate enough to take any job he can secure to pay off his debt for the small office and have some money for his assistant, Lolly, who is often doing the heavy lifting in this duo.

But one day Phil, after another disastrous job as the entertainer, he meets Ellie, a florist, who is not instantly put off by his odd persona and general lack of success in any part of his life. Nevertheless, Phil does everything he can to change her mind. Not because he was trying, he being himself is enough to convince Ellie, he is not a material for a long-time partner.

Phil Ellis Is Trying was a show that very much reflected the personality of Phil Ellis - based around the failure in every possible area, full of self-deprecating humour and absurd ideas. The supporting cast, Lolly Adefope and Johnny Vegas, were good choices to stop the character of Phil of becoming just a one-dimensional caricature. The plots, even though they usually circled around the failed business ideas, avoided being repetitive or formulaic.

Overall, it was a refreshingly original radio show, with good cast, interesting setting and colourful characters.

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Episodes of Phil Ellis Is Trying

Series 1 (2018)

1. Phil’s Bills And Bellyaches
After another failure in teh field of children entertainment, Phil stumbles upon something unexpected. Or rather someone.

2. Small Big Business
Phil becomes the event organizer for the local business association.

3. It’s A Nice Day For A White Lightning Wedding
Phil dibbs his toes in the growing industry of lst minute weddings on a budget.

4. Deliverwhoops!
After another financial setback, Phil takes up a job as a delivery driver.

Series 2 (2019)

1. Pinball
Phil enters a pinball championship and meets a blast from the past.

2. Mickstown
Polly becomes a community support-officer. Well, almost. While Phil joins a gym. Almost.

3. Parbold’s Got Talent
When Phil’s dad suddenly shows up, they have a chance to rebuild their relationship.

4. Rugrat
Phil takes a job as a private detective.

Series 3 (2020)

1. Billy Bonker And The Cup A Soup Factory
Phil has a chance to visit the legendary factory of Cup A Soup.

2. Prison Break
Phil and Polly take part in the "Bring Your Family To Prison" day.

3. Ghost Walk
Phil organizes a ghost-themed guided walks. On a budget, of course.

4. Pondlife 2000
Phil ends up in court as a murder suspect.

Creators of Phil Ellis Is Trying

Phil Ellis

screenplay

Fraser Steele

screenplay

Cast of Phil Ellis Is Trying

Phil Ellis

as Phil

Johnny Vegas

as Johnny

Lolly Adefope

as Lolly

Amy Gledhill

as Polly

Katia Kvinge

as various

Terry Mynott

as various