What Have I Done? cover art

What Have I Done?

My Autobiography

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What Have I Done?

By: Ben Elton
Narrated by: Ben Elton
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About this listen

What Has Ben Elton Done?

For the first - and only - time, Ben tackles this question head on in his frank, forthright and entertaining autobiography. Taking a deep dive into his life and times, both private and public, to reveal the true stories behind iconic hits such as The Young Ones, Blackadder and We Will Rock You, his pioneering routines hosting Saturday Live, which birthed a revolution in stand-up comedy, and so much more. Ben recounts his life and uniquely varied career from his Catford childhood and being the BBC's youngest ever sit com writer at 21 right up to the present day, with yet another hit sit com, Upstart Crow; a surprise late-life BAFTA; and his most critically acclaimed stand-up comedy show to date.

Alongside unique insights into his ground-breaking work, Ben talks honestly and hilariously about his personal and professional relationships with two generations of brilliant friends, inspiring contemporaries, occasional foes, and the times in which they all lived. And Ben's life has been just as challenging, rewarding and funny off screen as it has been on. He unpacks it all with wit, insight and complete honesty. And of course, there's a 'little bit of politics'.

After living sixty five years on the planet, forty-five of them in public, tickling many funny bones and getting on a respectable number of wicks, Ben has a lot of stories to tell, and he tells them unvarnished and uncensored - because that's who he is.

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Ben Elton has written a thoroughly interesting and entertaining book that is elevated further by his excellent narration. Highly recommended for anyone who’s enjoyed his work over the years, although even if he’s only caught your attention fleetingly it’s still worth a listen.

Engaging, interesting and superbly narrated

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I suppose as a student in Sheffield from 1986-1990 I am his original target audience and as such have always loved his work. I am however amazed at the breadth of his career especially his involvement with theatre and musicals. America will probably never really get his intelligent ironic humour because it’s a British thing really and they just don’t get it. I’m sure however Australia will embrace it more readily as the Aussies love a straight talker!
I would love to see the BeeGees movie and hope it gets made . A very interesting listen and kept me smiling with his inimitable voice .

Wow what a life!

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Thankyou Ben for being wonderful company throughout this narration. I was with you in imagination. It’s no wonder your friends and family love you so much. You didn’t have a bad word for anyone, just surprise at the behaviour of one or two but always leaving it open for their defence and without rancour.
Please keep writing books.
Much love, Sue

His loving, warm hearted centre

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Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish . Now to revisit his back catalogue Thank you Ben

What a legend

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This is a terrific book. After a break I'm gonna listen again.
If you're thinking you might like to read this, I recommend you do. Stop dithering. Read it.
Cheers from Victoria, Australia.

Ben Elton bio

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