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  • Absolute Power

  • The Complete BBC Radio 4 Radio Comedy Series
  • By: Mark Tavener
  • Narrated by: Stephen Fry, John Bird
  • Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (790 ratings)
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Absolute Power

By: Mark Tavener
Narrated by: Stephen Fry,John Bird
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Summary

Stephen Fry and John Bird star in all four series of the BBC Radio 4 satirical comedy, plus the 2006 special episode.

Set in the Machiavellian world of modern PR, Absolute Power introduces us to London-based 'government-media relations consultancy' Prentiss McCabe, whose partners Charles Prentiss and Martin McCabe are frequently embroiled in the machinations of the British political system. Prentiss is ruthless, unscrupulous, and will go to almost any lengths to pull off a big commission, while McCabe does have a moral compass, but is too laid-back and fond of claret to use it very often.

In episodes that could have been written yesterday, the duo's targets for makeover include the Conservative Party; The Sun; the Mayor of London; the Church of England; Radio 3; English sporting success; the elderly; prisons; the Prime Minister; the Health Service; a Big Brother star; a tennis pro; men; the BBC; 'the notion of Nation'; healthy eating and the US Presidential Campaign.

This complete collection includes all 21 episodes of the four series, first broadcast between 2000 and 2004, plus the special 2006 episode. Stephen Fry and John Bird star as Charles Prentiss and Martin McCabe, with Tamsin Greig as rival spin doctor Gayle Shand.

©2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about Absolute Power

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Witty satire and generally great fun

I only heard a few of these short, highly entertaining comedy slots when they were first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and so was pleased to get this compilation of 22 episodes from the early 2000s. It’s a fast-paced comedy based on the exploits of two unprincipled but bungling media consultants played by Stephen Fry & Join Bird. Much of the satire is at the expense of Tony Blair’s administration, in power at the time these programmes were broadcast. Interspersed among the political jibes are numerous funny scenarios as the hapless pair try to promote or bury stories about various organisations or people.

The recordings are full of witty dialogue and some hilarious double-entendres performed with great zest and obviously relish by a talented cast. It certainly cheered up some gloomy midwinter days when cooped up by bad weather. Though the humour pokes fun at a by-gone time, the satirical force largely survives, as most listeners will remember the people and events, some of which still influence politics and life today.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very entertaining!

Witty, bite -sized comedy wondrfully performed. Characters slightly dated now but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment at all. Recommended!

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Corny fun

I'd missed this on the radio, and it was an impulse purchase that I quite enjoyed, but I think it has dated a bit and with less stellar a cast it might not have kept me listening right through. Great fun in parts, and great performances.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I re-listen over and over, so funny

Such clever writing and performing! Hilarious political and social satire. Listened to on Radio Four many times, watched on tv, and was thrilled to be able to download it here and listen all over again

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dry political comedy

A great political comedy, although the references are not current to today's political news they are relevant to the past, which if you have not been living under a rock you will know what they are referring too.
The actors play the parts well and execute the rolls with the dry wit they require.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic Spin Doctor comedy

A comedy about New Labour spin doctors that in some ways is getting dated but in too many others is a relevant now as it was then.
Either way it is laugh out loud funny. Another radio 4 comedy that is so much better than the TV adaptation that followed.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant

Loved every single moment.
I so miss Stephen Fry now that he is not on television

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic Listen!

What did you like most about Absolute Power?

The combination of Stephen Fry and John Bird as a double-act, along with the ludicrous situations they find themselves embroiled in is hilarious. Two episodes in, and I cannot wait to see what they get up to next!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

still relevant now

Very funny episodes that cover topics that are still applicable today -if you like the House of Cards you'll love this.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant portryal of PR and Spin Doctors Gov

the whole production seamless All actors led by Stephen Fry John Fortune pitch perfect BRILLIANT

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5 people found this helpful