Ben Elton
Biography: Already a successful comedian, Ben Elton turned to writing situation comedies during the 1980s and penned BBC classics such as "The Young Ones" (1982), "Black-Adder II" (1986), "Black Adder the Third" (1987), "Blackadder 4" (1989) and during the 1990s "The Thin Blue Line" (1995). He provided lyrics for Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, "The Beautiful Game", which was nominated for Best Musical at the Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards in 2001 (2000 season). His comedy, "Popcorn", performed at the Apollo Theatre, was awarded the 1998 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best New Comedy of the 1997 season. He and Andrew Lloyd Webber were awarded the 2000 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama) for Best New Musical for "The Beautiful Game", performed at the Cambridge Theatre. Has three children : Bert, Lottie and Fred. Is co-writer of the Queen Musical 'We Will Rock You' with the band itself. He and Richard Curtis were offered the chance to write "Police Academy - The London Beat", but turned it down. Was a host of The Prince's Trust 30th Birthday: Live (2006) (TV).
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: May 03, 1959
Deathday: N/A
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Known For
When Comedy Changed Forever
2006-03-07
When Comedy Changed Forever
Overview: The history of British comedy from the 1970s to today, showing how the work of Reeves and Mortimer provided a link between old-style acts such as Bernard Manning and modern phenomena like Little Britain.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-03-07
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Blackadder: The Lost Pilot
2023-06-15
Blackadder: The Lost Pilot
Overview: Sir Tony Robinson takes a journey back in time to find out where Blackadder really began, and to uncover the story of the previously-unseen pilot episode.
Genres: Documentary Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-06-15
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The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball
1987-01-01
The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball
Overview: When the British Amnesty shows finally resumed in 1987 after a six-year hiatus, the show format was retooled in an effort to take advantage of the growing number of rock musicians supporting Amnesty. Instead of the live show being primarily a comedy show with a few musical cameos, the event made a point of giving equal emphasis to the comedy and the music.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-01-01
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The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
1989-01-01
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
Overview: After the criticisms of the 1987 show’s disproportionate focus on music - and the financial disaster of its music-only Festival Of Youth weekend concert in 1988, Amnesty returned to the original formula that had been so successful in the 1976-1981 era with a primary focus on comedy. Pat Duffy was dropped from organising any further benefit events for Amnesty and for the 1989 show, Amnesty hired producer Judith Holder.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-01-01
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Ben Elton: The Great Railway Disaster
2023-06-26
Ben Elton: The Great Railway Disaster
Overview: The railways are in crisis, from mass cancellations to soaring prices. Comedian Ben Elton embarks on a northern rail misadventure. Is rail privatisation a failed experiment?
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-06-26
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Blackadder: A Cunning Story
2023-06-16
Blackadder: A Cunning Story
Overview: A look back at the making of the entire Blackadder series to commemorate its 40th anniversary, featuring contributions from Blackadder's biggest fans including Jack Whitehall, Darren Harriott, Sarah Hadland, Ardal O'Hanlon and Nina Wadia.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-06-16
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Filth!
1994-04-24
Filth!
Overview: In the late Eighties, there had been a series of comedy concerts (modelled on the Amnesty International “Secret Policeman’s Ball series”) to raise both awareness and raw cash for HIV/AIDS charities. The series was called Hysteria to reflect the hysteria (and downright untruths) surrounding the issue of HIV/AIDS. The last one of these had been in 1989, so in 1994, Pozzitive set out to revive the idea of a fundraiser with “Filth!” a night of comedy and music at the Sadlers Wells theatre, on Sunday 24 April. In fact, so many comedians and writers said “yes” to the idea, that we hit on the notion of doing two shows in one evening back to back. The first show was hosted by Lynn Ferguson and Arthur Smith, the second show by Mark Lamarr. Artists involved in the show included Tom Robinson, Steve Coogan, Spitting Image, Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand, Jeremy Hardy and Ben Elton.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-04-24
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Ben Elton: Live
2022-10-24
Ben Elton: Live
Overview: Era-defining comedian Ben Elton returns to stand up comedy. The ‘Godfather’ of modern British stand up is back behind the mic bringing his hilarious perspectives on the modern world.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-10-24
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We Are Most Amused
2008-11-15
We Are Most Amused
Overview: We Are Most Amused was a gala event held at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 12 November 2008 in honour of the 60th birthday of Charles, Prince of Wales, in aid of The Prince's Trust. Prince Charles attended the event with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and younger son Prince Harry. The show had a similar format to the Royal Variety Show and showcased a variety of comedy acts. The performance was televised by ITV to the public on 15 November 2008. Robin Williams made his first UK stage appearance in more than 25 years. Tickets were sold to the general public and the event sold out in one hour.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-11-15
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Ben Elton: The Get A Grip Tour Live
2007-11-12
Ben Elton: The Get A Grip Tour Live
Overview: Ben Elton, the multi award winning writer, performer and comic is back on stage after ten years with his new un-cut live show and time has definitely done nothing to tame him! After an 80 night tour of venues in both the UK and Australia Ben Elton Live! The Get A Grip Tour demonstrates that he really is still THE king of stand up comedy! Recorded in front of a packed house at Leeds City Variety Hall, this proves that after 25 years this stand up legend is still at the very top of his game!
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-11-12
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Ben Elton: Live
1997-10-27
Ben Elton: Live
Overview: Although an incredibly successful writer, it is as a stand-up comedian that Ben Elton is most famous. In 1997 over 300,000 ecstatic fans around the country saw Ben Elton live during his sell-out tour which the media hailed as his funniest and most accessible material to date. Filmed during this epic tour this DVD is your opportunity to witness for yourself Ben Elton's brilliant storytelling talents. Don't miss it.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1997-10-27
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Ben Elton: Very Live
1993-11-29
Ben Elton: Very Live
Overview: Not just a tour but a Tour de Force, for this was the tour that grew. Originally planned to play just 40 dates, such was it's phenomenal success that it expanded to a staggering 112 performances and was seen by well over 200,000 people around the country. Now everyone has the chance to see this completely new and hilarious show for this is Ben Elton captured live and at his very best, just like being there in fact, maybe even better because this way you don't have to park your car or queue for the bogs at the interval!
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-11-29
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The Many Faces of Ronnie Barker
2012-12-24
The Many Faces of Ronnie Barker
Overview: Programme telling the story of Ronnie Barker, a quiet dedicated actor who might have been a bank manager but went on to become one of the country's favourite comedy stars. Ben Elton, Michael Grade, David Renwick and Josephine Tewson are among friends and colleagues who remember his genius. Famed as one half of the Two Ronnies and the likeable convict Fletcher in Porridge, he was also a prolific writer and admired actor in serious roles.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-12-24
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Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
2014-12-20
Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule
Overview: Comedian Rik Mayall died suddenly on 9 June 2014. Mayall's blend of rocket-fuelled physical comedy, surrealism, subversive satire and pompous punk wit left a body of work that spanned four decades. Mayall's characters include the Black Country's investigative nerd Kevin Turvey, Felicity Kendal-adoring student and 'People's Poet' Rik in The Young Ones, ruthless MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman, seedy loser Richie in Bottom and larger-than-life characters Robin Hood and flying ace Lord Flashheart from Blackadder. Narrated by Simon Callow, this programme salutes Rik Mayall and celebrates his part in the UK's comedy history using rare and unseen archive footage. It also features contributions from people who knew or admired him, including Michael Palin, Simon Pegg, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Alexei Sayle, Christopher Ryan, Tim McInnerny, Jools Holland, Ruby Wax and Greg Davies.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-12-20
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Laughs and Larrikins
Laughs and Larrikins
Overview: Midday with Ray Martin from 1985 - 1993.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
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Blackadder Rides Again
2008-12-25
Blackadder Rides Again
Overview: This documentary marks the 25th anniversary since the first transmission of The Black Adder in 1983 and reunites the iconic cast to give their opinions on all series and specials. Narrated by John Sergeant, this in-depth guide includes interviews from the cast and crew, a clip from the pilot episode, clips from all four series and the specials, opinions about certain moments in the show, and much more. With interviews by Rowan Atkinson, writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, producer John Lloyd, Miriam Margolyes, Rik Mayall, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson, Tony Robinson and editor Chris Wadsworth.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-12-25
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Much Ado About Nothing
1993-05-07
Much Ado About Nothing
Overview: In this Shakespearean farce, Hero and her groom-to-be, Claudio, team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro, the week before their wedding to hatch a matchmaking scheme. Their targets are sharp-witted duo Benedick and Beatrice -- a tough task indeed, considering their corresponding distaste for love and each other. Meanwhile, meddling Don John plots to ruin the wedding.
Genres: Drama Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-05-07
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The Story of Bean
1997-07-31
The Story of Bean
Overview: Pending release of the movie "Bean," Rowan Atkinson reflects on his comedy career and reveals how his comic creation Mr Bean evolved. This 1997 documentary includes career clips as well as interviews with Atkinson, writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, British comedians Lenny Henry and Mel Smith and movie celebrities Jeff Goldblum and Burt Reynolds.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1997-07-31
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The London Studios: Home of the Stars
2018-12-28
The London Studios: Home of the Stars
Overview: The end of an era as the studios where ITV filmed its many shows for 45 years closes its doors for the last time.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-12-28
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How The Young Ones Changed Comedy
2018-05-26
How The Young Ones Changed Comedy
Overview: This documentary explores the legacy of one of the most notorious British sitcoms of all time. Launching alternative comedy onto our screens, the show made household names of its performers and writers and proved to be a huge influence, despite the BBC reportedly being baffled by what they'd commissioned back in 1982. Never before had a flagship comedy show contained so much violence, depravity and anarchy - it was a shot across the bow to mainstream comedians that things would never be the same again.
Genres: Documentary Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-05-26
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The Comic Relief Utterly Utterly Rude Video Live
1986-04-25
The Comic Relief Utterly Utterly Rude Video Live
Overview: In April 1986, inspired by the previous summer's bombastic Live Aid event and the success of Amnesty's first four Secret Policeman's Ball shows, the UK's alternative comedy scene (and a few of the old guard) put on a fund-raising comedy revue at The Shaftesbury Theatre, London. The show's took place on 4-6 April, a recording was broadcast by the BBC on 25 April.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1986-04-25
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Blackadder's Most Cunning Moments
2008-10-16
Blackadder's Most Cunning Moments
Overview: A countdown of the top 40 "Blackadder" moments chosen by cast and crew members, celebrity fans and 15 genuine Blackadders.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-10-16
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Is Benny Hill Still Funny?
2006-12-28
Is Benny Hill Still Funny?
Overview: A documentary looking at the life of Benny Hill and with the use of an audience reaction test finding out if he is still funny to contemporary audiences.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-12-28
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The BRITs at 40
2020-02-11
The BRITs at 40
Overview: In 2020 the BRIT Awards celebrated a massive 40th ever show. In this documentary Jack Whitehall delves into the archives to narrate an entertaining look back at over four decades of highlights from Britain’s biggest music show.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2020-02-11
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