The Rest Is Entertainment Ben Elton on Blackadder, Rik Mayall & The Joy of Writing
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Oct 22, 2025 
Join acclaimed comedy writer Ben Elton, known for his work on Blackadder and The Young Ones, as he dives into the creative process behind these beloved shows. He shares insights about his close friendship with Rik Mayall, the challenges of character development, and the impact of The Young Ones on British culture. Elton also reflects on crafting the emotional ending of Blackadder Goes Forth and recounts the journey of bringing the jukebox musical We Will Rock You to life, blending satire with entertainment. His advice for aspiring creators is not to miss!
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Meeting Rik Mayall Changed Everything
- Ben Elton met Rik Mayall at university and immediately recognised his star quality that
Anarchy Was Tradition Plus Now
- The Young Ones' apparent anarchy is rooted in British comedy traditions like Laurel and Hardy and the Goons.
- What felt revolutionary was its contemporary, Thatcher-era youth voice, not just surreal set-pieces.
How Blackadder Was Reborn
- Richard Curtis invited Ben Elton to co-write Blackadder II after the first series underperformed.
- Elton and Curtis flipped Blackadder's status to make Rowan Atkinson the superior wit and Baldrick the idiot.
