What Have I Done?: My Autobiography by Ben Elton

What Have I Done?: My Autobiography by Ben Elton

What has Ben Elton done? Well, rather a lot actually. He's been the youngest ever sitcom writer at the BBC. He's co-created some of the most iconic television comedy of all time—The Young Ones, Blackadder—and written the smash-hit stage musical We Will Rock You. He's pioneered a revolution in stand-up comedy through his incendiary routines hosting Saturday Live. He's made millions laugh, made millions think, and got on quite a few people's wicks along the way. Now, sixty-five years in the making, Ben is telling the whole story in one unputdownable volume: frank, forthright, hugely entertaining and completely uncensored.

From his Catford childhood to his recent BAFTA and his most critically acclaimed stand-up show to date, Ben recounts his uniquely varied career with wit, insight and complete honesty. Discover the true stories behind the hits. Relive the groundbreaking moments that changed British comedy. Meet two generations of brilliant friends, inspiring contemporaries and occasional foes—and understand the times in which they all lived. Ben's life off screen has been just as challenging, rewarding and funny as it has been on, and he unpacks it all with his signature sharpness and warmth. Oh, and of course, there's a "little bit of politics." For forty-five years, Ben Elton has been one of Britain's most original, controversial and beloved comedy voices. These are the stories—unvarnished, uncensored, up to his neck in truth. "Bloody marvellous." — Jo Brand. "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.

An instant Sunday Times bestseller.

Publisher: Macmillan

Date Published: 09/10/2025

ISBN: 9781035059942

Number of pages: 480

Binding:

• Paperback

Book genres:

• Biography
• Humor & comedy
• Arts

Target audience:

• Adults