The Penguin Lessons – Coogan’s Dramedy Era
By Dr.Zoe Crombie
It’s well established that Britain is fantastic at producing successful comedians whose careers span decades – the same can be said for our dramatic actors, many of whom are considered the greatest in the world even today. But it’s hard to think of more than a handful who cross this threshold on a regular basis; the actor-comedians who are just as comfortable on a late-night panel show as they are acting opposite Dame Judi Dench. Steve Coogan is one of these few and, following the dramatic successes of Philomena and a wonderful turn in Stan and Ollie (amongst many other roles), he has become so much more than just Alan Partridge.
The Penguin Lessons seeks to further deepen this part of Coogan’s persona, placing him in the role of Tom Mitchell, a boarding school teacher in Argentina in the 1970s who adopts the penguin victim of an oil spill. Directed by Peter Cattaneo – surely a national treasure for his work on The Full Monty alone – the film plays with the classic formula of depicting political and social upheaval through the eyes of a single eccentric individual.
A sentimental drama that balances the harsh realities of Argentine history with the fun of a quirky boarding school comedy, The Penguin Lessons is yet another space for Coogan to shine.
Come along and see The Penguin Lessons at the Dukes from Fri 18th to Thurs 29th of April!
