Den Perry

""Cheers, Potter. Another winner."" Den Perry, called both 'Dennis' and 'Denzel' throughout the chronology of the series is the primary antagonist of the British Channel 4 sitcom, "Phoenix Nights". Perry, portrayed by Ted Robbins, is an accomplished local businessman, known for his success in the Bolton pubs and clubs scene. He is the owner of the 'Banana Grove' club, in close proximity to the titular 'Phoenix' club, owned by his Nemesis, Brian Potter, played by series writer, Peter Kay.

Personality
Perry is a greedy, jealous and petty person, with very few, weak morals. He was more than happy the burn down the Phoenix club, destroying the livelihoods of its owner and staff to gain a greater monopoly of the local pubs and clubs market, despite already appearing to be very wealthy. He even appears to have qualms about murder if it helps him attain his business goals, as after the club reopens and finds success once he again, he attempts to burn it down once more, this time with rival owner, Brian Potter still inside. He notes that Brian's absence during the previous fire that claimed the club was his "only mistake".

Den Perry's business success seems to rely on his ability to deceive those aren't skeptical from the outset. Whilst Brian is never convinced by Perry's falsely dossile displays, pretending to be a wholesome, family-friendly entrepreneur, Perry prays on the more naive Jerry St. Clair. In the third episode of Series 1, Jerry hires a very poor psychich medium, Clinton Baptiste, who insults the audience, generally displays poor showmanship and is punched by a member of the audience, ending the show. It transpires later that the pyschic was recommended by Perry to damage their reputation.

Perry appears to have a particularly twisted sense of humour. One he exercises wherever possible, usually at the expense of Brian Potter, coming to the Phoenix reopening fun day to mock Brian and his efforts, showing particular delight when the event goes badly for the club. He also publically humiliates Brian and the Phoenix club during a spoken introduction to a local fire safety talk, asking "killed many pensionsers this week, Brian?" following the death of the club's elderly doorman. Later Perry does attempt to bring Brian in on a joke at the expense of fire safety inspector, Keith Lard, making a canine pun, refering to allegations against Lard regarding abuse of dogs. Though Brian snubs the joke, despite a rare instance of a laugh from Perry not being at his expense.