Far funnier than Phoenix Nights, but sadly overlooked, this series of faux-documentaries all set in-and-around Bolton is still the funniest thing Peter Kaye has ever done! If you've ever read Kaye's autobiography, a few of the characters (most of whom are played by Kaye) and scenarios should be more than a little familiar to you. Some of the funniest bits are the 'next week...' previews for fictional future episodes shown at the final credits.

PILOT: THE SERVICES: In my mind, the funniest of the lot. The documentary follows manager at Bolton Motorway Services, Pearl, (who hopes the documentary might lead on to better things, just like they did for Maureen from Driving School) and lacky Matthew Kelly (a drama student who later stars in the Arena episode), as they are thrown into a panic at the prospect of a visit from Bob Carolgees. Meanwhile Paul LeRoy tries to launch Chorley FM (Coming in Your Ears) from the car park while Alan McClarty tries to launch ARC rescue after being fired from the RAC in somewhat regrettable circumstances.

IN THE CLUB: Later the basis for Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy, Les Alanos, Brian and Jerry all feature as the 'documentary' follows the Talent Trek competition. Paul LeRoy features again, as does Marc Park from the 'Lonely at the Top' episode.

EYES DOWN: Follows Patrick, a reluctant slacker who works at a bingo hall, and Keith Lard, an over-zealous fire inspector who has an unhealthy interest in dogs. Kaye later paid damages to real-life Bolton fire inspector Keith Laird, though he insists that he only stole the name.

THE ICE CREAM MAN COMETH: Set in the cut-throat Bolton ice cream business, Mr Softytop is forced to start selling porn videos on the side as he fights a bitter war against rival Signor Whippy.

THE ARENA: Follows Matthew Kelly from the Services as he is inducted as a steward at Manchester MEN Arena by Chris and Sean of Live Sec. Also follows wild-west obsessed coach driver Johnny Utah (also from The Services episode) and Duncan, the socially inept St John's Ambulanceman.

LEONARD: Follows Leonard de Tompkinson, a lonely eccentric, as he prepares to receive an award for being Britain's Oldest Paperboy. Perhaps the most bittersweet of the episodes.

LONELY AT THE TOP: Follows the rise and fall of Marc Park from the In the Club episode as he launches a pop career with his manager, who also runs the local taxi company.

This is a simply brilliant series, it is far superior to Phoenix Nights an anyone who likes Peter Kaye should own a copy