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Preview
  • 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 (794 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
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What listeners say about Absolute Power

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  • 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

Fun with political s!eeze

Stephen Fry, John Bird and talented company bring this amusing (and all too realistic) satire to hilarious life.

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

Frivolous, fabulous, formulaic fun

Very well written, witty and amusing whilst retaining the lovely regular format comedy formula. Perfectly suited to the actors.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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brilliant comedy.

very funny. great performances from Stephen fry and John bird. highly recommended. xxxx xxx xxx

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1 person found this helpful

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

Perfect Parody

Good old fashioned fun, well written and acted. Great entertainment, great laughs and so true

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

A shame about the poor editing

part way through chapter 19 the punchline has been removed from a gag, presumably due to it referencing Rolf Harris. So why with no punchline did you leave the canned laughter?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A great listen

Very witty and parts made me laugh out loud. Can't help but think there is more than an element of truth in it all.

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

Absolutely Brilliant!

Having friends who work in PR , couldn't stop laughing throughout the whole book! It's funny,cos it's true 🤣 I love Mr Fry! He's witty narrative, humour and voice... Not to mention Mr Bird's performance, which he carried out to perfection! It's a real petty BBC doesn't produce that kind of comedies anymore. Absolute Power is just simply "must to be heard" and enjoyed by all comedy enthusiasts

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  • 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 lived through this without realising

let's put the cast aside. It's 1st class, so move on. As a program, this is something of a wheeze. In several stages, no less!!!
I regularly relive the new labour years via this series while understanding that not much changes.
The program is insightful, amusing, and makes a totally mockery of what the government does.
And it does it so well.
John Bird passed recently, and he will be missed. For no other reason than his immaculate Livingstone impression.

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