Steve Coogan on Alan Partridge: "I don't want to live with Alan but I do like to visit him"
Steve Coogan, the British actor and comedian, discusses his iconic creation, Alan Partridge, ahead of the character's 2025 return in a new documentary exploring mental health. Coogan reflects on Partridge's evolution, his comedic potential, and his own complicated relationship with the character.
The Evolution of Alan Partridge
Alan Partridge, a tactless and self-absorbed presenter, first appeared on BBC Radio 4's "On the Hour" in 1991. Since then, he has starred in numerous chat shows, sitcoms, a film, and a podcast. Coogan highlights that Partridge is like "every superficial" celebrity who craves public attention. He sees mental health as the latest topic Partridge will exploit to remain relevant.
Comedy and Mental Health
Partridge's new venture, "How Are You? It's Alan (Partridge)", sees him investigating his own mental health and that of the nation. Coogan stresses the importance of a constructive and kind approach when addressing sensitive topics in comedy, emphasizing that the goal is to "laugh around mental health, not at it." He acknowledges the potential risks but also the comedic possibilities that arise from exploring vulnerabilities.
A Comedic Trojan Horse
After a year in Saudi Arabia following his BBC dismissal, Partridge returns to British life, his misguided approach remaining intact. Coogan hopes that Partridge's character, although provocative, remains "never mean-spirited." He describes Partridge as a comedic "Trojan horse" that can be used to discuss taboo subjects and challenge "different kinds of received wisdom," from the "xenophobic little England mentality of the Daily Mail" to the "smug, self-righteousness of the Guardian."
The Writing Team and Partridge's Longevity
Armando Iannucci and Peter Baynham were Coogan's writing partners in the 1990s. The actor credits brothers Neil and Rob Gibbons with reinvigorating the character, leading to the Partridge movie "Alpha Papa," the series "Scissored Isle," "This Time," and the podcast "From the Oasthouse." Coogan believes Partridge's longevity stems from his evolution into a more three-dimensional figure capable of evoking pathos.
Alan Partridge and Modern Society
Neil Gibbons notes that surrounding Partridge with even more unreasonable characters allows him to inadvertently voice audience agreement. Coogan observes that while older fans may find comfort in Partridge's misfortunes, younger viewers on TikTok "see their parents in Partridge," recognizing their desperation to stay relevant. Rob Gibbons adds that Partridge embodies the anxieties of "white, middle-aged, middle-class men" struggling with a rapidly changing world.
Coogan's Relationship with Partridge
While Partridge was once an "albatross" around Coogan's neck, he now returns to the character willingly. "I don't want to live with Alan but I do like to visit him," he says. Coogan admits to occasionally finding himself adopting Partridge-like qualities as he gets older, and he intends to continue performing comedy "as long as I've got breath in my body."
