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The Penguin Lessons. Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)
The Penguin Lessons

The Penguin Lessons

  • 2025 film

Comedy drama about an English teacher working in Argentina, adapted from a true memoir. Stars Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, Bjorn Gustafsson, Vivian El Jaber, Alfonsina Carrocio and David Herrero

  • New film - out now

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Press clippings

The Penguin Lessons review

Steve Coogan outshone by his feathered friend in 70s Argentina comedy drama.

Wendy Ide, The Observer, 20th April 2025

Steve Coogan interview: "There's no such thing as a no-go area in comedy"

His reputation as an irascible, press-hating leftie is no longer accurate - thanks to a penguin, Partridge and some crows' feet.

Ed Cumming, The Telegraph, 18th April 2025

The Penguin Lessons review

Adapted from Tom Michell's memoir by the ever industrious Jeff Pope, The Penguin Lessons begins in 1976, when Michell (Steve Coogan) is a somewhat disaffected English teacher, beginning a new post in a private school in Argentina.

Philip Caveney, Bouquets & Brickbats, 18th April 2025

The Penguin Lessons review

Improbably, the feel-good factor prevails.

Michal Boncza, Morning Star, 18th April 2025

Steve Coogan on his very unusual new comedy

"The penguin takes the edge off the fascism."

Annabel Nugent, The Independent, 17th April 2025

The Penguin Lessons review

Stark political reality of 1970s Argentina and zoological farce fail to gel in glib story of an English teacher abroad.

Jonathan Romney, The Financial Times, 17th April 2025

The Penguin Lessons review

A sweet, inoffensive tale starring Steve Coogan.

Kevin Maher, The Times, 17th April 2025

The Penguin Lessons review

Not even Steve Coogan and his cute pet can save this twee tale.

Tim Robey, The Telegraph, 17th April 2025

Steve Coogan isn't earnest enough for the dire political comedy The Penguin Lessons

Finally a film that asks 'could an adorable flightless bird convince Alan Partridge to stand up to Argentina's military dictatorship?'

Steve Coogan isn't earnest enough for the dire political comedy The Penguin Lessons, The Independent, 17th April 2025

The Penguin Lessons review

Steve Coogan seabird comedy drama tries to sell feelgood mood.

Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 16th April 2025

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