‘This book employs a daring structure known as a dual narrative…’
While I love the big comic set pieces provided by some of Alan Partridge’s most famous moments (falling off a sofa, impaling his foot on a spike etc), I always think that Partridge can be at his most Partridge when just talking for extended periods of time about the most trivial things imaginable. The Mid Morning Matters skits that Partridge creator Steve Coogan produced as online-only content are some of Partridge’s funniest moments. The same goes for From the Oasthouse – the Audible exclusive podcast that sees Partridge waxing lyrical on life as an ageing TV presenter. Big Beacon is Partridge’s third book after I, Partridge and Nomad and it’s probably the one that I have enjoyed listening to the most…
Partridge employs a duel narrative here (a device that the man himself is very enamoured with) which sees the Norwich broadcaster attempting to return to television juxtaposed with his efforts to renovate a Kent lighthouse. Eventually, these two narrative strands finally combine but first, we are treated to adventures with Andy Gray and Richard Keyes, lamentations on the death of Partridge’s beloved but psychotic dog Seldom and his ongoing professional relationship with his devoted assistant Lynn.
Big Beacon is one for the fans. As it chronicles Partridge’s spell as co-host of This Time – the BBC show that did genuinely air in 2019 – casual viewers would miss most of the humour here, particularly the long and tortured missives about his former co-worker Jennie Gresham. I would also argue that reading the book rather than listening to Coogan himself delivering it in character as his most famous creation would certainly be a less potent experience. As a Partridge obsessive, however, I loved Big Beacon. Unlike the first two Partridge books, there are moments here that match the highest points of From the Oasthouse and long-time fans will be delighted with just how Partridge this book is. This is Partridge to the nth degree. Alan in excelsis.
Big Beacon provides yet more lore to the backstory of one of the most iconic comic creations in the business but more than that it’s incredibly funny, always compelling and surprisingly touching in places. A-ha!