Cast: Steve Coogan, Tim Key, Pippa Haywood
Running time: 135 minutes
Certificate: 15
Extras: Outtakes, ‘online versions’ of episodes
Alan Partridge’s TV output is something of an anomaly – whereas most long running series eventually outstay their welcome, Norfolk’s finest export remains one the most consistent characters in British comedy, even though it’s been nine years since his last full TV series.
Though the format has changed, with Alan locked in the radio studio for the duration, and key characters have been axed (Alan’s PA Lynne and Michael are sorely missed), MID MORNING MATTERS ranks amongst the best Alan Partridge material to date.
Though originally broadcast as 15-minute webisodes, Alan’s exploits on North Norfolk Digital radio have been repackaged in six 30-minute slices of comedic brilliance. On the surface MID MORNING MATTERS is idle, narrow-minded banter with feckless co-host ‘Sidekick Simon’ and the various guests to Alan’s radio show; but for longtime Partridge fans, there’s much more to enjoy. Not only does the series offer more razor-sharp wit, keenly observed dialogue and increasingly uncomfortable scenarios, it also peels back the layers to reveal a tragic side to the character.
As always, Steve Coogan is on top form in Alan mode, and has fantastic support from Tim Key and other cast members. Whilst it’s been almost twenty years since the Partridge character debuted, MID MORNING MATTERS proves he’s as fresh as anything doing the comedy rounds, which bodes very well for the upcoming (and long-awaited movie). A-ha indeed.
Extras: The outtakes are fun but the ‘online versions’ of the episodes are largely pointless. The series alone is more than enough to warrant parting with your cash however.
ALAN PARTRIDGE MID MORNING MATTERS is available to buy on DVD now.
