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Alan Partridge: Why, When, Where, How and Whom?

Documentary looking back at Alan Partridge's journey from broadcaster caricature to the award-winning study of complexity and pathos that he has become.

It has been a quarter of a century since a little-known sports reporter was given his own radio chat show by the 主播大秀. Two radio series, five TV series, four specials, two books and one movie later, Alan Partridge has an unrivalled place in the comedy pantheon. To celebrate Alan's return to his rightful home at the 主播大秀 in 2018, this retrospective documentary looks back at his journey from broadcaster caricature to the award-winning study of complexity and pathos that he has become.

We hear from the man behind the man himself, Steve Coogan, as well as the acclaimed team that created him 25 years ago. That cohort of writers and performers would become some of the most celebrated and distinctive comic voices of their generation - Armando Iannucci, Patrick Marber, Peter Baynham, Rebecca Front, David Schneider and Doon Mackichan. Through interviews and a wealth of never-before-seen archive footage, including improv sessions, rehearsals and unseen outtakes, a light is shone on the genesis of the character.

This is a richly textured account of the craft involved in that early development and the ongoing story of how, through Coogan's virtuoso performance, Alan remains one of the most beloved comic creations of the last few decades. The programme also features discussions with some of the best-loved characters in Alan's world - the likes of Felicity Montagu (Lynn), Simon Greenall (Michael), Sally Phillips (Sophie the receptionist), Phil Cornwell (Dave Clifton) and Tim Key (Sidekick Simon). And we hear from writers and directors Neil and Rob Gibbons, who inherited the Partridge mantle and, alongside Coogan, have taken the character to new heights, finding in each incarnation different ways of exploring Alan while being faithful to the character's legacy.

Through all these voices, archive material and iconic clips from the shows themselves, the show explores Alan's unprecedented cultural influence, his impact on the comedy landscape and how the most entertainingly contemptible man in fictional light entertainment has become permanently embedded in the national vernacular.

1 hour

Last on

Sat 4 Aug 2018 22:00
主播大秀 Two

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:02

    Iggy Pop

    The Passenger

  • 00:02

    Iggy Pop

    The Passenger

  • 00:03

    Fun Boy Three & Bananarama

    It Ain't What You Do...

  • 00:06

    Bronski Beat

    Smalltown Boy

  • 00:07

    ABBA

    Knowing Me, Knowing You

  • 00:09

    Yello

    The Race

  • 00:20

    Sparks

    Amateur Hour

  • 00:44

    Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

    Georgia

  • 00:49

    Taja Sevelle

    Cuddly Toy

  • 00:57

    Harry Nilsson

    Jump Into the Fire

  • 00:58

    The Who

    Baba O'Riley

  • 00:59

    Gary Numan

    Music For Chameleons

Credits

Interviewed Guest Steve Coogan
Interviewed Guest Peter Baynham
Interviewed Guest Philip Cornwell
Interviewed Guest Rebecca Front
Interviewed Guest Simon Greenall
Interviewed Guest Armando Iannucci
Interviewed Guest Tim Key
Interviewed Guest Doon Mackichan
Interviewed Guest Patrick Marber
Interviewed Guest Felicity Montagu
Interviewed Guest Sally Phillips
Interviewed Guest David Schneider
Executive Producer Christine Langan
Executive Producer Steve Coogan
Director Joe Fraser
Production Company Baby Cow Productions Ltd

Broadcasts