Ben Elton

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!

Veteran British comedian and author Ben Elton joins the conversation with the hosts to dive into a mix of topics. They hilariously dissect the Tinky Winky controversy and the evolution of children's TV. Ben shares personal stories about infertility that inspired his film 'Maybe Baby.' The discussion takes a historical turn with tales of cavalry lances and Vatican banking quirks. They also tackle Shakespeare's family literacy and critique authorship conspiracies, offering a blend of humor and insight.

In this lively discussion, Ben Elton, a British comic and novelist, shares insights on the hurdles of writing popular fiction and the joy of reflecting on his career in his new autobiography. Sofie Laguna, an acclaimed Australian author, delves into her novel The Underworld, exploring adolescence intertwined with Roman mythology. Colm Tóibín, an Irish literary critic, offers fascinating reading rules for Jane Austen's works and reveals how understanding her characters' backgrounds enriches our reading experience.