Steve Coogan

As Alan Partridge fever sweeps the nation with the release of eagerly awaited movie Alpha Papa tomorrow, here's a chance to fill your boots with its creator Steve Coogan. This two-part documentary follows him on tour in Australia and New Zealand and he's as funny and downright contrary as his reputation would lead you to expect, high-tailing it into the middle of nowhere when the pressure of playing up to expectations starts to do his head in. And the clips of his stand-up act, as acerbic as ever, are a reminder that Partridge is only part of the act.

Alan Partridge: the 'A-ha!' moments

From Radio 4 to the big screen, via the Linton Travel Tavern: how did Alan Partridge become the man he is today? As his new film Alpha Papa is released, Steve Coogan and his writers talk to Stuart Husband about the character's past, present and future.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa review

Alpha Papa gives Steve Coogan the chance to show what a subtle, funny and clever comedy actor he is.

Steve Coogan: Stand Up Down Under preview

Even though we only get to see short clips of Steve's performances, it is clear how masterfully he has perfected his characters, as well as overall act.

Steve Coogan: 'There is an overlap between me and Alan'

After a blustery day behind the scenes of Alpha Papa, the question remains: where does Steve Coogan end and his most famous creation begins.

Steve Coogan - My plans for Alan Partridge movie sequel

The comedian is considering a Norfolk-based road movie as a follow-up to Alpha Papa.

Steve Coogan: Partridge could be a bit like Cameron

Partridge creator tells Radio Times that the character is a bit of a liberal Tory these days, not unlike our very own PM....

Steve Coogan: older, wiser, but as for his alter ego...

Alan Partridge, back in a new film, remains the actor's most memorable part, but much has changed since he first portrayed him - from Hollywood success to his presence at the Leveson inquiry.

'Are you friends?' 'No, we work together.' p]Rob Brydon]'s response to the receptionist at Lancashire's famous Inn at Whitewell is at the crux of what this hugely entertaining collaboration with Steve Coogan and Michael Winterbottom (first shown in 2010) is all about. Winterbottom's McGuffin is to send Brydon and Coogan - playing variations on their personas from A Cock and Bull Story - motoring off around the north of England, reviewing rustic restaurants for The Observer.

But really, it's a chance for the two comedians (sorry, comic performers) to riff on their reputations (Coogan: chippy and ambitious; Brydon: warm and eager to please), with near-suicidal ruthlessness, for our delectation. This opening episode is a treat. Slightly pathetic one-upmanship abounds as Brydon tears relentlessly through his impressions from A(l Pacino) to R(onnie Corbett) - much to Coogan's derision. The erstwhile Alan Partridge, meanwhile, gripes about feeling unappreciated by all and sundry, flirting haplessly with bar staff while Brydon turns on his unthreatening charm.

Winterbottom's direction is unobtrusive but occasionally telling, while the landscape makes a backdrop spectacular enough to force its way into the foreground in later episodes. All sorts of themes are bubbling under the surface - the ever-evolving nature of male friendship, the dying of the creative light, the relative merits of road maps and satnavs - but you may well be laughing too much to care. Series two is currently in production in rural Italy, and we can't wait.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa - first look review

The cinematic debut of Steve Coogan's bumbling talk show host is a quietly audacious triumph.