Following the disappointing 'Cool Head', Phil Cool got back on track with this five-part Central series, entitled simply 'Phil Cool'. Out went the elaborate make-up's and failed attempts at surrealism, and in came a style better suited to his enormous talents.
'Phil Cool' is basically 'Cool It' revisited, with Phil performing in front of a theatre audience, using items of clothing and props to embellish his amazing impressions, and sketches featuring Jon Glover, Chris Emmett, and Sophie Thompson. It even had a similar harmonica signature tune! Highlights included Donald Pleasence singing a 'Lulu' hit, Rolf Harris having an image make-over, Mick Jagger standing in for Harry Secombe on ITV's 'Highway', and a spoof of the Duracell ad in which old people fitted with pacemakers drop dead when the batteries expire suddenly.
Phil strangely vanished from the airwaves after this series. In the early 1990's, T.V. bosses dumped old school comedians such as Russ Abbot, Little and Large, Cannon and Ball, but Phil had a good few years left in him. He would make occasional television appearances, concentrating instead on touring. Various health problems plagued him years later, and the passing of time has sadly rendered many of his impressions unfathomable to modern eyes. However, his shows remain energetic, funny and completely lacking the smugness of say, Rory Bremner's output from around the same time. Phil is now retired. If by some chance you're reading this, mate, thanks for all the laughs.
'Phil Cool' is basically 'Cool It' revisited, with Phil performing in front of a theatre audience, using items of clothing and props to embellish his amazing impressions, and sketches featuring Jon Glover, Chris Emmett, and Sophie Thompson. It even had a similar harmonica signature tune! Highlights included Donald Pleasence singing a 'Lulu' hit, Rolf Harris having an image make-over, Mick Jagger standing in for Harry Secombe on ITV's 'Highway', and a spoof of the Duracell ad in which old people fitted with pacemakers drop dead when the batteries expire suddenly.
Phil strangely vanished from the airwaves after this series. In the early 1990's, T.V. bosses dumped old school comedians such as Russ Abbot, Little and Large, Cannon and Ball, but Phil had a good few years left in him. He would make occasional television appearances, concentrating instead on touring. Various health problems plagued him years later, and the passing of time has sadly rendered many of his impressions unfathomable to modern eyes. However, his shows remain energetic, funny and completely lacking the smugness of say, Rory Bremner's output from around the same time. Phil is now retired. If by some chance you're reading this, mate, thanks for all the laughs.
