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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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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As Ben’s autobiography shows; reviews and the people giving them shouldn’t matter. They aren’t the be all and end all, so why do we take notice? What I learnt from this book; is that with a half glass full attitude, the will to never give up and to keep working, even if it is on a “structure”, is the greatest weapon to defeat the meanest of people and to live a fulfilling life. Such a talented and inspiring person to listen to. If you did read this far, then listen to this book. It may surprise you in a delightful way and make you think twice about having preconceptions.

I’d give you a review, but you shouldn’t read reviews.

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I learned so much from this autobiography about Ben Elton’s life and the art of comedy but I enjoyed it because is resonated so clearly. Not just because I grew up watching Ben Elton’s hit shows (note to self: I need to re-watch the Thin Blue Line) but because of Ben’s details on inspirations (e.g. Ronnie Barker and Dad’s Army) and collaborators (e.g. Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson). And the references to the Jam Tarts took me back to watching their gigs in Melbourne pubs in the early 90s. It’s also a moving love letter to Rik Mayall. Bravo Ben.

Rich, insightful and nostalgic.

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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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Ben has lived such an interesting life, and his impact on comedy is unquestionable. He is undoubtedly a man of deep convictions and wears them as a badge of honour. Give this a listen and you won’t be disappointed.

Well worth the time

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