From the Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast

From the Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast #4

by Alan Partridge

To age, they say, is to decline. Yet some things actually improve as they get certain wines, His Majesty King Charles, certain cheeses and, most of all, the Alan Partridge podcast, now back for its fourth series.

What will this series offer that the first three didn’t? Nothing, that’s not the point. Instead it will continue, just as before, to draw back the curtain, open the cupboard and provide full loft access to the life of one of the most fascinating men in north Norfolk (Alan Partridge).

Once again, Mr Partridge will delight listeners by casting his net over some of the smallest issues in the stately homes, British porches, what life was like in 1994, the health of his assistant and his return to modelling.

But he’ll tackle the big issues too. For the dark shadow of the British justice system looms large of his life. Many great men have fallen before the law, their fortunes and reputation lain waste by a single poor decision. Jonathan Aitken, Lester Piggott, and there are probably others. Now comes the turn of Alan Gordon Partridge as he faces a criminal case that could alter the course of his life forever while providing a narrative arc around which the series can hang.

Episode 1: Trapped

Alan gets stuck in Lynn’s porch while she’s at a funeral.

Episode 2: Results

Waiting for Lynn at the hospital, Alan has a crisis of conscience in a Daewoo Tacuma.

Episode 3: Crisis Management

After yet another member of a WhatsApp group gets ‘cancelled’, Alan prepares for the worst.

Episode 4: Modelling

Alan gets the call to be the new cover star of Gateway, a quarterly in-ferry magazine, reigniting his modelling career.

Episode 5: Speeding

Alan is disturbed to receive a traffic violation notice. Can he fight to clear his name? Or, at least, pin it on someone else?

Episode 6: Downton

On a ramble, Alan finds an eerily empty manor house.

Episode 7: Office

Alan takes us inside the HQ of Partridge plc, presenting a special episode simply sitting at his desk.

Episode 8: Sound Garden

Alan Partridge heads to Hampton Court to visit the ‘Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden’, a garden named after him and the sounds they’ve put in it.

Episode 9: Analogue

Alan ditches his smartphone as he undergoes a digital detox and unplugs from the modern world.

Episode 10: Day in Court

Alan faces his destiny in court as he fights to clear his name, and his license of three points.

Episode 11: Verdict

After a lengthy legal campaign, Alan finds out whether the scales of justice have tipped in his favour.

CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND THEMES

Available in Dolby Atmos

Genres: Comedy, Audiobook, Humor, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published June 30, 2025

About the author

Journalist, presenter, broadcaster, husband, father, vigorous all-rounder – Alan Partridge – a man with a fascinating past and an amazing future. Gregarious and popular, yet Alan’s never happier than when relaxing in his own five-bedroom, south-built house with three acres of land and access to a private stream. But who is this mysterious enigma?

Alan Gordon Partridge is the best – and best-loved – radio presenter in the region. Born into a changing world of rationing, Teddy Boys, apes in space and the launch of ITV, Alan’s broadcasting career began as chief DJ of Radio Smile at St. Luke’s Hospital in Norwich. After replacing Peter Flint as the presenter of Scout About, he entered the top 8 of BBC sports presenters.

But Alan’s big break came with his primetime BBC chat show Knowing Me, Knowing You. Sadly, the show battled against poor scheduling, having been put up against News at Ten, then in its heyday. Due to declining ratings, a single catastrophic hitch (the killing of a guest on air) and the dumbing down of network TV, Alan’s show was cancelled. Not to be dissuaded, he embraced this opportunity to wind up his production company, leave London and fulfil a lifelong ambition to return to his roots in local radio.

------

Alan Gordon Partridge is a fictional radio and television presenter portrayed by English comedian Steve Coogan and invented by Coogan, Armando Iannucci, Stewart Lee and Richard Herring for the BBC Radio 4 programme 'On The Hour.' A parody of both sports commentators and chat show presenters, among others, the character has appeared in two radio series, three television series and numerous TV and radio specials, including appearances on BBC's Comic Relief, which have followed the rise and fall of his career. He returned to television in 'Alan Partridge - Welcome to the Places of My Life,' which aired on Sky Atlantic in June 2012.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Do you believe in ghost dogs? I do.”

Loved it as-per.

[William Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

I remember coming away from series 3 feeling a bit underwhelmed and almost ready to tap out of the podcast Partridge era as it seemed like Alan had devolved into a meandering titters rather than any well structured belly laughs. This series however might be the strongest since the 1st. It still has one or two dull spots but the vast majority was entertaining, and the ongoing narrative actually slipped in quite seamlessly, setting up a strong finale.

It's still not what I'd use as an introduction to Alan, but I'd recommend it to most existing fans, and had moments that I did find myself repeating to friends and family as highlights.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4

Not the best tranche of Partridge, but certainly worth a punt. Here Alan battles Suffolk Police, develops a plan to ‘un-cancel’ himself should the opportunity arise, gets locked in Lynn’s porch, launches a podcast network, and explores a seemingly abandoned stately home (with dire consequences) (not all in that order). It’s a welcome few hours with some funny moments and lovely references for long-term fans (not least the touching tribute to Glenn Ponder). One to return to, I think.

[Stephen Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan's back with another series of his excellent podcast. This sees him at his most relaxed, feeling more like a chat with an audience and format the character is now familiar with. However, compared to the previous three series (with 1 and 3 being faultless) this is perhaps ever so slightly the weakest... partly due to the lack of an overriding theme or concept. This could potentially be a deliberate and meta decision, as Alan addresses his contractual obligation to Audible to release 'x' number of these frequently... so maybe this is the ultimate Alan joke.

It had me thinking, what will this focus on as I don't think Alan has released any new TV content since series 3 came out, but was very pleased to find out he explores the story of the development of Alan's Sound Garden at Hampton Court Palace and very much enjoyed his discussions with the designers, opening ceremony discussions and the various skits set inside the Palace and it's famous maze.

There were the usual advertisements / Alan endorsements for things such as Fish Fingers, but these weren't quite unto the level of previous series. Again, this could be in-line with the character as after This Time, Alan is undoubtedly on a decline in public opinion again. Reinforced when a reporter asks him who he is after he's delivered his real statement to the cameras outside the court.

The biggest recurring plot through this (and a highlight) is the ongoing speeding ticket notice, it's investigation and the escalation throughout as he tries to work out who was driving his car at the time, Lynn's crumbling as he tries to convince her to take the bullet, seeking legal advice before culminating the court case (where we briefly meet young offender Hurricane) to the final reading of his prepared statement which is up there with some of the top Alan moments.

As always, this will be a podcast to re-listen to numerous times as the Coogan and his writing team continue to expand upon and develop this fantastic character.

[iamjacsmusings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan never fails to amuse.

I listened to an episode of this series whilst on a train trip, my reactions to which prompted my eldest SuperSon to comment: "It can't be that funny!"

I beg to differ...

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"Slavery's not on, not on at all."

More excellent and sometimes facetious ramblings from the character Alan Partridge. Great fun, including crisis management, modelling and a day in court.
Recommended.

[Jonathon Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb as ever. Alan meets his Audible contractual obligations but also finds himself fighting a fixed penalty notice over a speeding incident that he treats like he’s Nelson Mandela (making the comparison himself MULTIPLE times).

Pure Partridge.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…

… that whilst it probably should finish, it’s a series that keeps on giving in so many ways - ahh

[Lex Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Superb, as Partridge always is. Will never get tired of listening to him.

[Andy LooWho · Rating 5 out of 5]

" or the long haired ones you see in videos "

[John Bleasdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could happily listen to endless series of this. Lovely stuff!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece.

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess Michael died again?

[JSpringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually sad that it finished - will have to listen to the prior 3 series again!

[Gavin Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Aha!" I said. (Not the catchphrase just a thought.)”

Excellent stuff . More of Alan. More of the same. Really funny.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always brilliant!

[Zac · Rating 4 out of 5]

its great

[Matthew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the best Alan yet, fit and spritely, active and adventurous!

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fine addition to the lore. 3.5 rounded up, as that's what Alan would do