PHIL GILLIVER

WHO AM I?

That’s a great question. I’m an author-turned sitcom writer and cheese lover. I am currently working at a local 6th form college as a Learning Assistant working with Neurodivergent students. I’ve been called a “writing machine” on many ocassions. I live in Wrexham in North Wales on a council estate. My family moved here when my father “Michael” , a medic in the RAMC, came out of the army and moved our family here. One of six children I had lived in various parts of the UK and Germany before then, wherever my father had been stationed at the time.

Following involvement in a local drama group, I enrolled in the early eighties on a course with the Clwyd Youth Theatre which I thoroughly enjoyed. But it wasn't long after that I discovered that my main love was writing, particularly dialogue. This was something I wouldn't forget when I enrolled on another course called "Literature with Media" at the Wrexham's North East Wales Institute, which is now Wrexham University, where I studied Literature, film and stage production. I graduated in 2000 with a 2:1 hons Degree in Literature With Media.

During the first lockdown period I enrolled on an online course in sitcom writing and have not looked back since. The course, which was taught by Welsh stand-up comedian, writer and actor "Bennett Aaron", focussed on everything it takes to produce a good situation comedy series; strong, identifiable characters, plots, sub-plots, story arcs and great gags. I’ve since written two; one of which, The Revengers, a Wales-based superhero/supervillain radio comedy, was performed and recorded in front of an audience at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival. With a cast of comedians who were there with their own sell-out shows, It was performed over the first ten days of the festival. Bennett even took part in the show in the role of “Bryn the News” which he recorded in a studio.

Inspiration for Revengers. Originally the show was entilted The Not Quite Super League, it is based on recurring dreams of mine. I often dreamt I was flying. However I could never fly high enough or fast enough. Owl-Woman had that as her semi power. Exciting things are happening with Revengers right now, but I am sworn to secrecy at this present time. More news soon!

EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL 2024

BELOW: Images from Edinburgh Comedy Free Fringe Festival, from the Den at the Laughing Horse venue on George Street where two episodes were performed and also recorded, the supervillain comedy Revengers by Phil Gilliver and Gary Colman and the NHS based East Fayling by Gary Colman and Antony Madison, who was also the technical manager for both shows.

BELOW: Comedians Michelle Shaunessey, Gabrielle McPherson, Seffan Alun, Kath Hughes and Gary Colman perform The Revengers Radio sitcom in The Laughing Horse, in The Den during the first ten days of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024. Many of the cast had their own sell-out shows.

Have you got yours, yet?

Come with us on a voyage with Captain Horatio Spanner and the crew of the Binship H.M.S Reject. With their planetary anti-gravitational device sabotaged by the Grisflaks, the Nurgs are flying off into space, and not by choice. The only way to save them is to complete three outrageous tasks set for them on the planet Sandra.

Saving the galaxy has never bin this rubbish.

Many other titles available, also.

Seeking representation.

Contact.

Mobile: 07514 335965

Email: philgilliver@live.co.uk

CALLING ALL GEEKS!

If you get a chance, do yourself a favour and catch one of these shows. Hosted by the “fearlessly funny” Gary Colman who puts a group of comedians through their paces in a live action Dungeons and Dragons style digital game. All in the name of Game Therapy UK, which helps people experiencing homelessness, neurodivergence, addictions, chronic diseases, slavery and a whole number of mental health issues. For more information click on the link below.