Absolute Power cover art

Absolute Power

The Complete BBC Radio 4 Radio Comedy Series

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Absolute Power

By: Mark Tavener
Narrated by: Stephen Fry, John Bird
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About this listen

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
Entertainment & Performing Arts Witty Funny

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Wonderful :)

One of the best BBC comedies. Playful satire re spinning and politics. Stephen Fry and John Bird are superb.

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Men from the Ministry rides again!

I was disappointed to find that this is really a rehash of an older BBC radio series: 'Men from the Ministry', even down to the empty-headed female assistant (and a downtrodden male assistant, towards the end). I had expected more from Mark Tavener.

However, I enjoyed the portrayal of the British Establishment as consisting largely of insignificant, lunch-a-lot, self-interested individuals and both Fry's and Bird's talents are well-used in this respect.

Highly recommended but in small doses.

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British Humour at its Finest

In the same league as Yes Minister, Fry and Bird give a hilarious performance as the dynamic and destructive duo in the underworld that is government media relations

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