What Have I Done?
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4.4 • 17 Ratings
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- £11.99
Publisher Description
Read brilliantly by the author, Ben Elton. From The Young Ones and Blackadder theme music to snippets of his stand-up comedy shows, this audiobook includes bonus audio recordings showcasing special moments throughout Ben's incredible career.
‘What Have I Done? snaps, crackles and pops with wit, bravado and glorious Ben-ness. A triumph’ – Stephen Fry
‘A big life chronicled by truly the Upstart Crow of our generation’ – Dawn French
Ben Elton has done everything and worked with everybody. Now, in this frank, forthright, and hugely entertaining book, he tells the whole story.
Discover the truth behind iconic hits like The Young Ones, Blackadder, and We Will Rock You. Relive the pioneering stand-up of Saturday Live that birthed a comedy revolution. From being the BBC’s youngest-ever sitcom writer to his most recent, critically acclaimed stand-up tour, Ben reveals unique insights into his groundbreaking work.
He talks honestly about his relationships with brilliant friends, inspiring contemporaries, and occasional foes. His life off-screen has been just as challenging and funny as it has been on, and he unpacks it all with wit, insight, and of course, a ‘little bit of politics’.
For decades, Ben’s been making people laugh, think, and getting on plenty of wicks - these are the uncensored stories.
‘Funny and fascinating, it’s a story of triumph and disaster and is the closest you’ll get to understanding where great comedy comes from’ – David Mitchell
'Bloody marvellous' – Jo Brand
Customer Reviews
Excellent!!!!!
One of the best autobiographies I’ve read. One of the others being Adrian Edmondson’s. A really fantastic book filled with stories, memories and honest truths about some of my favourite actors, comedians and musicians. Ben Elton really has created some of the best comedies and shows of the later part of the 20th century - and beyond. Thank you!
A great book of a great man
Ive always admired Ben, and I loved this book. Such a great work ethic and a tenacity to bring humour to the masses against almost constant vitriol from the critics. He discusses his highs and lows - many lows - and I’m amazed he isn’t more bitter about the personal and professional attacks he has had to endure - until latterly seen as something of a genius by all. More than anything his personal ethics and goodness shine through. Ben - you’re a national treasure.
Well worth the read
There’s something about Ben Elton that has always had critics sharpening their pens and dipping them in poisoned ink but I hope they read this book. He has been at the centre of British entertainment for decades and talks in detail about his few failures and many successes without pomp for the good or bitterness for the bad. He is also open about his personal life: his love of music, drink, friends and family shines through and he is generous to his critics. The biography is well balanced. You will enjoy it if you want anecdotes about his work and celebrity friends and also if you want an insight into him as a person.