Broadcaster, writer, philanthroper and one of the first public figures to suggest high-visibility clothing for people manning temporary car parks, the public Alan Partridge is a cherished institution.
But what of the unseen Alan?
For the first time, this famously private man welcomes us into his home and audibly deshrouds himself for a fascinating series of podcasts. Over the course of 18 generously durated episodes, Partridge grants us full and unfettered access to his off-screen life (within reason).
In exchange for a series of payments from Audible, he promises an access-all-areas pass to the nooks and crannies of his hinterland, to reveal a wiser, cleverer, more reflective Alan than many of his more vaunted peers have given him credit for. He then sends the resultant podcasts to Audible ensuring they meet the technical specifications laid down in the contract.
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.
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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.
Alan Partridge is a man of many talents, and a “Father, rambler, broadcaster, writer, presenter, philanthroper” which are just a few descriptions he reels off by way of an introduction.
In exchange for a series of payments from Audible, Alan Partridge provides a fascinating series of 18 "podcasts". You probably don't me to tell you that From the Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast is comedy gold. It's not a book as it's only available as an Audible Original however, if you love Alan, you will love this.
There are so many Partidgesque gems here: his dog Seldom, his internet troll, memories of corporate gigs, and that he uses Echelon, a dating service for "high-class individuals". Alan Partridge is such a durable and enduring character and much of the the comedy lies in the familiarity of his predictable obsessions.
I’m on my second time round. It’s so funny I threw up in my mouth in the supermarket. I don’t know if that will encourage you to listen or not. I have laughed so much my jaw and cheeks hurt. Alan Partridge is the gift that keeps on giving.
“Just because someone is disabled, it doesn’t mean they can’t be mean. Look at pirates"
Aha! Broadcaster, writer, philanthroper and one of the first public figures to suggest high-visibility clothing for people manning temporary car parks, Partridge is back. Steve Coogan reprises his role in a stream of consciousness 18-part 20 minute podcast. It’s a triumphant return, packed with very funny easy to digest one-liners. Of course, there are lots of in jokes that allow the Patridge character to remain relevant.
Reflections and lessons learned: “Less deliverance more deliveroo” Biennial update from a comedy character followed for the last 25 years - the older we get, the more relatable some of the ramblings...?!
Superb podcast from Steve Coogan. Classic Partridge musings, twitterings, ramblings and chaos brought to your ears by Audible exclusive. Well worth the cost; moments were laugh out loud hilarious whether in the car or on the dog walk. It’s not consistently good throughout every chapter which prevents the fifth star but still excellently put together with chapters linking to previous, or setting up future escapades. Classic Alan. A-ha!
Best Partridge content since "I'm Alan Partridge series 2". Genuinely the funniest thing I've ever listened to.
For existing Partridge fans, this is not a 'cash in/money grab'. It can be easy to avoid this podcast, and even the new series 'This Time' based on how bad the film was. Fear not, Alan is back, and he's better than ever.
I worry that I don't enjoy Alan Partridge ironically, or maybe better put, to laugh at him, anymore - but ive now become an old man and actually enjoy him as one of the Britain's greatest Disc Jockey's and crackin' spinner of yarns (yarn spinner). Jurassic Park!
Certain parts of this podcast/audiobook were downright hilarious, some parts were a bit of a slog to get through. I guess, all things considered, that is entirely on brand for the form and persona of Alan Partridge, and it doesnt necessarily have to be a laugh a minute, but when comparing it to any other of Steve Coogan's performances, this one certainly is leaning into Alan's self-absorption rather than his woeful people skills which are usually the basis for much of his comedy.
it still has great recurring jokes and is very on brand, but dont go into it expecting it to be as funny as the original radio show. These are, as he puts it himself, ramblings. There is brilliant self awareness and some great methods of playing with the format. I do recommend, but only for slightly more seasoned Partridge fans
Took maybe the first 2 episodes for me to get back into Partridge mode, but after that it was all gold. Quite a few big laugh out loud moments. Liquid podcasts.
This was OUTRAGEOUSLY good. I can only assume now that life in the UK largely consists of sitting around drinking PG Tips and declaring how funny Alan Partridge is. Am I close?
I absolutely loved this, made me chuckle my cotton socks off., well more polyester than cotton but I digress. Steve Coogan is a genius and gets it right every damn time.
Hilarious! Audio book is certainly the right format for this, as the additional sound effects help to create the atmosphere. The best laugh-out-loud moments were early on for me, but there's funny, offensive stuff all the way through. This was three good evenings of listening for me.
Hilarious, as ever. Some of Alan's best work. Can’t get the bloody jingle out of my head!
I wouldn’t normally log a podcast on Goodreads. Podcasts aren’t books. End of. However, in the same way that I, Partridge: We to talk about Alan isn’t someone’s actual memoir but rather, I’d argue, a postmodern novel that uses its structure and form to tell a story, From the Oasthouse isn’t a podcast. Not really. In truth, it’s a play pretending to be a podcast, and plays have scripts, and scripts are a type of book. I rest my case. With that in mind, I have no guilt about adding From the Oasthouse to my bookshelves. None whatsoever. None, I say! Why are you looking at me like that?
A joy to spend time with this most genial and maverick of broadcasters as he grants us access to his oasthouse and many aspects of his life. The format, over 18 episodes/chapters suits him perfectly, allowing him to share his views on, well, just about everything. Alan's voice is the one you hear most, which was fine with me. Consistently funny throughout the nine hours, no mean feat. I did tire of the jingle though, but that's because I sometimes binged on more than one episode. Hopefully there's more of these to come.
From the Oasthouse is an audible original featuring Alan Partridge as he tries his hand at podcasting. It's inevitably awkward, cringy, informative and hilarious! With all the tv shows, the film, books and audiobooks Alan is probably one of the most fleshed out characters in comedy, you forget that he's not real and get lost in the ridiculousness that is his life. This is another must for fans and an audiobook that I'll definitely return to again and again.
Glad I never have to hear that podcast song again! Awful ear worm.
It’s taken me a very long time to listen to all of this, I think because it’s slightly irritating and quite repetitive. With Alan you definitely know what you’re getting. He’s a pathetic unhappy monster. That’s not to say that there haven’t been moments that made me smile, but I can’t say I’ve laughed out loud.