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 (187 ratings)

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Absolute Power

By: Mark Tavener
Narrated by: Stephen Fry, John Bird
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Publisher's 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

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    133
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good company!

Although a bit broad and definitely dated, the program is entertaining, perfect for a long drive.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

unsparing!

funny! I was surprised how very pointed the satire was against the government and celebrities.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent series

great satire at the spin doctors serving new labor under Tony Blair. will definitely listen again

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A good time

Loved it. Funny really since I despise these people IRL. I think it’s the sincerity of the sleaze that tickles me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Evil Genius

Some people are meant for greatness. Others are meant to listen to audiobooks. Go and buy the audiobook Morris.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous Writing Outstanding Performances

Extremely niche and the references to 'New Labor's were doubtless funnier at the time, but the sitcom setup and witty back and forth make this outstanding.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good Comedy

Love Stephen Fry! Great performances and funny. Original casts make the reading great and memorable.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good Stuff

This will be one of those that I listen to over and over and over like good reruns. Good anti-government, anti big business sarcasm.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Tired, and lackluster

I have the distinct impression that it is almost an unpardonable since to criticize anything with Stephen Fry in it. This however is a set of recordings that suggest that the best days of British comedy are past. The storylines feel lazy and around-about-there, lacking almost completely the Brits historical touch of nuance and timing that marked their best efforts. I wish I could offer more but I strongly recommend you think long and hard before hitting the button to buy

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Good fun if a little dated

Any additional comments?

If you like British Radio comedy, this is a good option. It pokes fun at all classes of British society.

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