Steve Coogan says the enduring appeal of Alan Partridge stems from a shift in writing that allows the character to explore vulnerability and relatable truths, moving beyond simple comedic antagonism. The evolution, spearheaded by writing partners Neil and Rob Gibbons, has enabled Partridge to resonate with audiences on a deeper level, prompting laughter *around* mental health rather than *at* it, according to Coogan.
Coogan credits the Gibbons brothers with revitalizing his connection to the character after a period of dormancy in the 2010s, begining with the YouTube series *Mid Morning Matters* and the spoof autobiography *I, Partridge*. “It took a while,” Coogan admits. “I was doing a live show, and I asked them to write something and it was brilliant – almost but not quite perfect. And as than, they’ve just taken the reins and they have breathed new life into the character, given me new confidence and we took it off in a diffrent direction.”
The collaborative trio-Coogan, Neil Gibbons, and Rob Gibbons-have previously worked together on successful projects including the *Partridge* movie *Alpha Papa*, the Bafta-winning series *Scissored Isle*, the TV magazine programme *This Time*, and the podcast *From the Oasthouse*.
Coogan believes Partridge’s longevity is due to him having “evolved” into a more “three-dimensional” figure,capable of evoking “pathos.” This advancement contrasts with earlier iterations where Partridge was often the sole source of absurdity.
Neil Gibbons explains that in Partridge’s initial appearances, he was typically surrounded by “reasonable” people, making his own pronouncements seem especially “stupid.” The writing team’s subsequent strategy involved populating Partridge’s world with characters even less self-aware, exemplified by his girlfriend Katrina.
“Alan frequently enough, in a clumsy way, says things that as an audience you agree with,” Gibbons explains. “It just gives you another angle of attack,as otherwise you run out of ways he can say the wrong thing or lose his temper with someone.”
