British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide
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Ben Elton
Ben Elton

Ben Elton

  • 66 years old
  • English
  • Writer and stand-up comedian
  1. 27th May: Official Rik Mayall biography announced
Ben Elton

Ben Elton is an English stand-up comedian, novelist, playwright, actor and writer who is best known for his work on 1980s sitcoms The Young Ones and Blackadder, and as the popular face of the decade's "alternative comedy" boom. Having married an Australian musician, Sophie Gare, in 1994, Elton holds dual nationality between the two countries and is now primarily resident in western Australia.

Year Production Role
2025 Great Lives - Benny Hill Self (Archive Material)
2025 Heresy - Series 13
  1. E5 - Episode Five
 Guest
2025 Slapstick Festival Self
2024 Southport Comedy Festival Self
2024 Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity Self
2024 Archive On 4: Rik Mayall, Panglobal Phenomenon Self
2024 No Alternative Self (Archive Material)
2023 London Podcast Festival Self
2023 Blackadder: A Cunning Story Self (Archive Material)
2023 Meet The Richardsons - Series 4
  1. E1 - Episode One
 Self
2023 Blackadder: The Lost Pilot Self
2023 Lenny Henry: One Of A Kind Self
2023 Ben Elton Live Writer
2023 Ben Elton Live Self
2022 Friday Night Live Host / Presenter
2020 Upstart Crow - Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow: Lockdown Christmas 1603 Writer
2020 Upstart Crow - Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow: Lockdown Christmas 1603
  1. Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow: Lockdown Christmas 1603
 Jack Smiggins (Voice)
2020 The Upstart Crow Writer
2019 Ben Elton Live 2019 Self
2018 Upstart Crow - Series 3
View episodes
  1. E1 - Lord, What Fools These Mortals Be!
  2. E2 - Wild Laughter In The Throat Of Death
  3. E3 - If You Prick Us, Do We Not Bleed?
  4. E4 - Sigh No More
  5. E5 - The Most Unkindest Cut Of All
  6. E6 - Go On And I Will Follow
  7. Special - A Crow Christmas Carol
 Writer
2018 How The Young Ones Changed Comedy Self (Archive Material)
2017 Upstart Crow - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - The Green-Eyed Monster
  2. E2 - I Know Thee Not, Old Man
  3. E3 - I Did Adore A Twinkling Star
  4. E4 - Food Of Love
  5. E5 - Beware My Sting!
  6. E6 - Sweet Sorrow
  7. Special - A Christmas Crow
 Writer
2017 The Ronnie Barker Comedy Lecture Writer
2017 The Ronnie Barker Comedy Lecture Host / Presenter
2016 Upstart Crow - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Star Crossed Lovers
  2. E2 - The Play's The Thing
  3. E4 - Love Is Not Love
  4. E5 - What Bloody Man Is That?
  5. E6 - The Quality Of Mercy
 Writer
2016 The Many Faces Of... - The Many Faces Of Ronnie Corbett
  1. The Many Faces Of Ronnie Corbett
 Self
2014 Rik Mayall: Lord Of Misrule Self
2013 The Wright Way
View episodes
  1. E1 - The Rogue Speed Bump
  2. E2 - Conkers Bonkers
  3. E3 - Lethal Swing Back
  4. E4 - Concealed Sharp Objects
  5. E5 - Curbing The Kerb
  6. E6 - The Deadly Receptacle
 Producer
2013 The Wright Way
View episodes
  1. E1 - The Rogue Speed Bump
  2. E2 - Conkers Bonkers
  3. E3 - Lethal Swing Back
  4. E4 - Concealed Sharp Objects
  5. E5 - Curbing The Kerb
  6. E6 - The Deadly Receptacle
 Writer
2013 Radio 2's History Of British Comedy
  1. E4 - Episode Four
 Self
2012 The Many Faces Of... - Series 3
  1. E1 - The Many Faces Of Ronnie Barker
 Self
2012 Bring Me Morecambe And Wise
  1. E1 - From Stage To Screen
  2. E2 - The Guest Stars
  3. E3 - At Home With Eric And Ern
  4. E4 - The Plays Wot Ernie Wrote
  5. E5 - Christmas
 Self
2012 Channel 4's 30 Greatest Comedy Shows Self
2011 Ben Elton: Laughing At The 80s Host / Presenter
2010 The One...
  1. The One Ronnie
 Writer
2010 Dave's One Night Stand - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Ben Elton
 Host / Presenter
2009 Very Nearly An Armful - The Galton & Simpson Story Self
2008 Blackadder Rides Again Self
2008 Comedy Connections - Series 6
  1. Special - Geoffrey Perkins
 Self
2008 Alan Carr's Comedy Outings
  1. E2 - Carr-ly Valentine
  2. E4 - Clinic-Al Depression
 Self (Archive Material)
2008 Blackadder Exclusive: The Whole Rotten Saga Self
2008 Musical Comedy Was My Dish Host / Presenter
2008 The Museum Of Curiosity - Gallery 1
  1. E2 - Meeting Two
 Guest
2007 Dawn French's Boys Who Do: Comedy - Dawn French's Boys Who Do: Comedy
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
 Self
2007 Saturday Live Again! Guest
2007 Alexei Sayle's Alternative Take
  1. E1 - Episode One
 Self (Archive Material)
2007 Make 'Em Laugh, Make 'Em Laugh
  1. E3 - Fitting In And Being Accepted
 Self
2007 Get A Grip Writer
2007 Get A Grip Host / Presenter
2007 Teenage Kicks
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Sex
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Bryan
2006 Who Killed The Sitcom? Self
2006 The Ultimate Sitcom Self
2005 Blessed
View episodes
  1. E1 - I'm So Tired (The Beatles)
  2. E2 - Ever Fallen in Love With Someone (Buzzcocks)
  3. E3 - I'm in Love with My Car (Queen)
  4. E4 - Just Looking (Stereophonics)
  5. E5 - Hit Me Baby One More Time (Britney Spears)
  6. E6 - Who Wrote the Book of Love (The Monotones)
  7. E7 - Walk Like a Man (The Four Seasons)
  8. E8 - Lets Spend the Night Together (The Rolling Stones)
 Director
2005 Blessed
View episodes
  1. E1 - I'm So Tired (The Beatles)
  2. E2 - Ever Fallen in Love With Someone (Buzzcocks)
  3. E3 - I'm in Love with My Car (Queen)
  4. E4 - Just Looking (Stereophonics)
  5. E5 - Hit Me Baby One More Time (Britney Spears)
  6. E6 - Who Wrote the Book of Love (The Monotones)
  7. E7 - Walk Like a Man (The Four Seasons)
  8. E8 - Lets Spend the Night Together (The Rolling Stones)
 Writer
2004 Comedy Connections - Series 2
  1. E6 - The Young Ones
 Self (Archive Material)
2004 Ronnie Barker: A BAFTA Tribute Self
2004 Britain's Best Sitcom
  1. E1 - The Launch
  2. E2 - Blackadder
 Guest
2003 Comedy From Merton To Enfield
  1. E3 - Ben Elton
 Self (Archive Material)
2000 Blackadder - Blackadder Back & Forth Writer
2000 Maybe Baby Director
2000 Maybe Baby Writer
1999 In Conversation With - Series 1
  1. E3 - Ben Elton
 Self
1999 Laughter In The House: The Story Of British Sitcom
  1. E1 - The Early Days
  2. E3 - Modern Times
 Self
1999 A History Of Alternative Comedy
View episodes
  1. E1 - Wanted.... Frustrated Dentists
  2. E2 - As Seen On TV
  3. E3 - There Is An Alternative
  4. E5 - Taboo, or not taboo?
  5. E6 - Back to the Future
 Self
1998 Blackadder - Prince Of Wales Gala Special Writer
1998 Norman Ormal: A Very Political Turtle Jack Student
1998 The Ben Elton Show
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
  7. E7 - Episode Seven
  8. E8 - Episode Eight
 Writer
1998 The Ben Elton Show
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
  7. E7 - Episode Seven
  8. E8 - Episode Eight
 Host / Presenter
1996 The Thin Blue Line - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Court In The Act
  2. E2 - Ism Ism Ism
  3. E3 - Fly On The Wall
  4. E4 - Alternative Culture
  5. E5 - Come On You Blues
  6. E6 - Road Rage
  7. Special - The Green Eyed Monster
 Producer
1996 The Thin Blue Line - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Court In The Act
  2. E2 - Ism Ism Ism
  3. E3 - Fly On The Wall
  4. E4 - Alternative Culture
  5. E5 - Come On You Blues
  6. E6 - Road Rage
  7. Special - The Green Eyed Monster
 Writer
1995 The Thin Blue Line - Series 1
  1. Special - Yuletide Spirit
 Traveller Boyfriend
1995 The Thin Blue Line Creator
1995 The Thin Blue Line - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - The Queen's Birthday Present
  2. E2 - Fire And Terror
  3. E3 - Honey Trap
  4. E4 - Rag Week
  5. E5 - Night Shift
  6. E6 - Kids Today
  7. Special - Yuletide Spirit
 Producer
1995 The Thin Blue Line - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - The Queen's Birthday Present
  2. E2 - Fire And Terror
  3. E3 - Honey Trap
  4. E4 - Rag Week
  5. E5 - Night Shift
  6. E6 - Kids Today
  7. Special - Yuletide Spirit
 Writer
1995 Perry & Croft: The Sitcoms Self
1994 Harry Enfield & Chums - Series 1
  1. E1 - Episode One
 Self
1994 Eric & Ernie: Bring Me Sunshine Host / Presenter
1994 Ben Elton - The Man From Auntie - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Writer
1994 Ben Elton - The Man From Auntie - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Host / Presenter
1993 Much Ado About Nothing Verges
1992 Rowan Atkinson Live Writer
1990 Ben Elton - The Man From Auntie - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Writer
1990 Ben Elton - The Man From Auntie - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Host / Presenter
1990 Mr. Bean
  1. E1 - Mr. Bean
 Writer
1989 The Secret Policeman's Ball
  1. The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball
 Self
1989 Blackadder - Blackadder Goes Forth
View episodes
  1. E1 - Captain Cook
  2. E2 - Corporal Punishment
  3. E3 - Major Star
  4. E4 - Private Plane
  5. E5 - General Hospital
  6. E6 - Goodbyeee
 Writer
1988 French And Saunders - Series 2
  1. E4 - Episode Four
 Self
1988 Friday Night Live
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
  7. E7 - Episode Seven
  8. E8 - Episode Eight
  9. E9 - Episode Nine
  10. E10 - Episode Ten
 Writer
1988 Friday Night Live
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
  7. E7 - Episode Seven
  8. E8 - Episode Eight
  9. E9 - Episode Nine
  10. E10 - Episode Ten
 Host / Presenter
1988 Blackadder - 1988 Specials
View episodes
  1. Special - The Cavalier Years
  2. Special - Blackadder's Christmas Carol
 Writer
1988 Comic Relief Host / Presenter
1987 Blackadder - Black Adder The Third
View episodes
  1. E1 - Dish And Dishonesty
  2. E2 - Ink And Incapability
  3. E3 - Nob And Nobility
  4. E4 - Sense And Senility
  5. E5 - Amy And Amiability
  6. E6 - Duel And Duality
 Writer
1987 Blackadder - Black Adder The Third
  1. E4 - Sense And Senility
 Anarchist
1987 Saturday Live - Series 2 Host / Presenter
1987 Filthy Rich & Catflap
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Writer
1986 Lenny Henry Tonite
  1. E1 - Pratt Outta Hell
 Writer
1986 Saturday Live - Series 1 Host / Presenter
1986 Blackadder - Blackadder II
View episodes
  1. E1 - Bells
  2. E2 - Head
  3. E3 - Potato
  4. E4 - Money
  5. E5 - Beer
  6. E6 - Chains
 Writer
1985 Girls On Top - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Mr. Fluffy Knows Too Much
  2. E2 - Big Snoggs
  3. E3 - Who's Ya Uncle Shelley?
  4. E4 - Bring Me More Flamingoes
  5. E5 - Mr. Yummy Brownie
  6. E6 - Lower The Donkey
 Script Editor
1985 Happy Families
  1. E5 - Roxanne
 Roland
1985 Girls On Top - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Four Play
  2. E2 - Staying Alive
  3. E3 - C.O.D.
  4. E4 - Cancel Toast
  5. E5 - Ident Candy Time
  6. E6 - Skankin
  7. E7 - Hark
 Script Editor
1985 Happy Families
View episodes
  1. E1 - Edith
  2. E2 - Cassie
  3. E3 - Madelaine
  4. E4 - Joyce
  5. E5 - Roxanne
  6. E6 - Reunion
 Writer
1984 The Young Ones - Series 2
  1. E6 - Summer Holiday
 Man in Hawk Advert
1984 The Young Ones - Series 2
  1. E5 - Sick
 1st Grange Hill Student
1984 The Young Ones - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Bambi
  2. E2 - Cash
  3. E3 - Nasty
  4. E4 - Time
  5. E5 - Sick
  6. E6 - Summer Holiday
 Writer
1984 The Young Ones - Series 2
  1. E1 - Bambi
 Kendal Mintcake
1984 Alfresco - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Writer
1984 Alfresco - Series 2
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
 Ensemble Actor
1984 Spitting Image - Series 1
  1. E6 - Episode Six
  2. E7 - Episode Seven
  3. E12 - Episode Twelve
  4. Special - The Very Beast Of Spitting Image
 Writer
1983 Carrott's Lib - 1983 Specials
  1. Special - Election Special
 Writer
1983 Alfresco - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
  7. E7 - Episode Seven
 Writer
1983 Alfresco - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
  4. E4 - Episode Four
  5. E5 - Episode Five
  6. E6 - Episode Six
  7. E7 - Episode Seven
 Ensemble Actor
1982 The Young Ones - Series 1
  1. E6 - Flood
 Radio DJ
1982 The Young Ones - Series 1
View episodes
  1. E1 - Demolition
  2. E2 - Oil
  3. E3 - Boring
  4. E4 - Bomb
  5. E5 - Interesting
  6. E6 - Flood
 Writer
1982 The Young Ones - Series 1
  1. E1 - Demolition
 Baz
1982 There's Nothing To Worry About!
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
 Writer
1982 There's Nothing To Worry About!
View episodes
  1. E1 - Episode One
  2. E2 - Episode Two
  3. E3 - Episode Three
 Ensemble Actor
1981 Three Of A Kind - Series 1
  1. E4 - Episode Four
 Writer

Non-comedy TV and film credits may be found here:
Ben Elton on IMDb

Born
Sunday 3rd May 1959 (66 years-old)
Nationality
English / Australian
Home town
London
Resident of
Australia (Fremantle)
Slapstick Festival Awards 2025
Comedy Legend Award (Winner)
National Comedy Awards, The 2023
Outstanding Male Comedy Entertainment Performance (Longlisted)
Chortle Awards 2020
Best Tour (Nominee)
Rose d'Or Awards 2007
Honorary Rose (Winner)
Olivier Awards 1998
Best New Comedy (Winner)
Olivier Awards 1991
Best New Comedy (Nominee)
BAFTA Television Awards 1990
Best Comedy (Winner)
British Comedy Awards 1990
Best Live Stand-Up Performer (Nominee)
Best Comedy Entertainment Personality (Nominee)
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