Mid Morning Matters With Alan Partridge Series 2, Episode 1 - Foxhunter + Radio Play - British Comedy Guide (original) (raw)

Alan tries his hand at producing a quality radio drama.

Preview clips

Further details

Norfolk's favourite... well, North Norfolk's favourite regional, non-drivetime radio presenter returns to the airwaves, as Alan Partridge brings you all the important news, gripping debates, and generally accurate traffic information of the day, along with a healthy dose of top quality banter.

Even with Alan's many talents, he can't present such an entertaining and informative show alone, so it's good news to hear Sidekick Simon has officially been rehired and is back to fulfil his sidekick duties (on a probationary basis).

We rejoin Alan as he covers hard-hitting topics such as Jimmy Saville and corner shops that unscrupulously sell multipack cans of fizzy drinks, before he invites a member of the North Norfolk Hunt into the studio for a compelling debate on fox hunting.

Can the traditionally pro-Countryside Alliance Partridge impartially present a robust argument for animal rights activists? More to the point, who are more efficient hunters: the North Norfolk Hunt or Alan's LazerQuest team?

Alan Partridge says: "The screening of Mid Morning Matters on Sky Atlantic sees the coming together of two powerful ideas: 'Believe in Better' (Sky) and 'Be the Best' (Alan Partridge). Two compelling brands with two equally valid mission statements, although if we're being honest 'believing in better' isn't as impressive as 'being the best'. ('Being' feels more emphatic than just 'believing' while the 'best' is by definition one up from 'better'). I'm not going to get into a debate about it though. That's part of what 'being the best' is. Thank you for your time and I urge you to enjoy the series."

Broadcast details

Date

Tuesday 16th February 2016

Time

10pm

Channel

Sky Atlantic

Length

30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast

Guest cast

Writing team

Production team

Video

Hymn of the day

Alan sings for his listeners.

Featuring: Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge).

Press

TV review: Alan Partridge's Mid Morning Matters

I was a little disappointed at first when I watched Alan Partridge's new series on Sky Atlantic, but for a while I couldn't work out why. Everything seemed to be in place, from the foot-in-mouth soundbites to Sidekick Simon to the terrible midde-aged clothes to the feeble attempts to appear down with the North Norfolk Digital kids.

Then I realised what the problem was. The Alpha Papa film was so brilliant at opening up Alan and giving him more space to breathe and make a sad twat of himself that suddenly this radio studio-based version doesn't work quite so well. I wanted Alan to be out on the road miming along to Roachford's Cuddly Toy, not quizzing posh foxhunter Sir Cecil Crooms-Phillips.

Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 18th February 2016

The magnificent Mid Morning Matters returns, with north Norfolk's favourite digital radio host, Alan Partridge, in the finest of fettle. The station has a new boss; Alan has a new "bird" (in Angela, making for some pleasing continuity from the Alpha Papa film); and he's even flexing his muscles in the realm of radio drama. Alan and Sidekick Simon also welcome Sir Cecil Phillips, the leader of the controversial North Norfolk Hunt, into the booth. It is perfection.

Ben Arnold, The Guardian, 16th February 2016

Alan Partridge's Mid-Morning Matters review

"Jesus Christ. Margaret Thatcher. Denis Thatcher. Carol Thatcher. And... hmmm... Mark Thatcher." Yes, Alan Partridge was back and listing his dream dinner party guests. Less of an eclectic line-up, more of a family kitchen supper with a couple of gatecrashers.

Michael Hogan, The Telegraph, 16th February 2016

• Series 1, Episode 6
• Episode 2