Watch Steve Coogan, Live Collection

Steve Coogan is a British comedian, writer, and actor best known for his character Alan Partridge, a fictional radio and television presenter. He has also become a familiar face on the big screen, starring in films such as "24 Hour Party People," "Tropic Thunder," and "Philomena." In "Steve Coogan, Live Collection," viewers are treated to a selection of Coogan's finest live performances from the BBC archives.

The collection begins with "The Man Who Thinks He's It," which originally aired in 1998. This show sees Coogan take on a variety of characters, including Paul Calf, Duncan Thickett, and of course, Alan Partridge. With sketches ranging from a disastrous first date to a parody of "The Truman Show," Coogan's talent for comedy comes through in every scene.

The next show in the collection is "Live 'n' Lewd," which was originally broadcast in 1999. This performance has a much more adult-oriented tone than the previous one, with Coogan tackling topics such as sex and drugs. However, his amazing range of characters is still on display, including the hapless DJ Tommy Saxondale and the opinionated Tony Ferrino.

The collection then moves on to "Steve Coogan, The Inside Story," which originally aired in 1997. This show is more of a documentary than a performance, with Coogan and his collaborators discussing the creation and evolution of his characters. It's fascinating to see how Coogan's ideas take shape, and to hear from the people who helped him bring them to life.

Following this is "Steve Coogan Is The Man Who Thinks He's It," a performance filmed in 1999. This show sees Coogan taking on some of his most famous characters, including Alan Partridge and Paul Calf, as well as introducing some new ones. The sketches are as hilarious as ever, with Coogan's ability to improvise coming to the fore.

The collection concludes with "Steve Coogan Stand-Up Down Under," which was filmed during his Australian tour in 2009. This show sees Coogan return to his stand-up roots, with a set that is more personal and reflective than his character-based work. However, he still manages to get laughs in between the more serious moments, proving that his comedic talent knows no bounds.

Throughout the collection, it becomes clear that Coogan is a comedy genius. His ability to inhabit a character is uncanny, and his comedic timing is impeccable. It's easy to see why he has become such a beloved figure in British comedy.

One of the things that sets Coogan apart from many other comedians is his willingness to take risks. He's not afraid to tackle controversial topics or push boundaries, and this makes his work all the more compelling. However, he always manages to do so in a way that is intelligent and thought-provoking, rather than just for shock value.

Another thing that makes Coogan's work stand out is its longevity. Many of his characters have been around for decades, yet they still manage to feel fresh and relevant. This is a testament to Coogan's ability to evolve his characters and keep them interesting.

Overall, "Steve Coogan, Live Collection" is a must-watch for anyone who loves comedy. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Coogan's work, this collection will have you laughing out loud and marveling at his talent. It's a fitting tribute to one of Britain's finest comedians, and a reminder of why he continues to be such an important figure in the world of comedy.