Ben Elton

Ben Elton is a British-Australian comedian, novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and director whose prolific career spans stand-up comedy, bestselling novels, West End musicals, and some of the most celebrated British television comedy of the 1980s and 1990s. Born in Catford, London in 1959, Elton studied drama at the University of Manchester before becoming one of the most prominent figures in alternative comedy. He co-wrote Blackadder (with Richard Curtis) and The Young Ones (with Rik Mayall and Lise Mayer), two of the most iconic British sitcoms ever made. His stand-up comedy was characterised by rapid-fire delivery, political anger, and sharp social observation. His novels — including Stark, Gridlock, Popcorn, Blast from the Past, Dead Famous, High Society, Past Mortem, and Time and Time Again — are fast-paced, satirical, and politically engaged, tackling subjects from environmental destruction to celebrity culture to gun violence. Blast from the Past is a taut thriller about an ex-lover who turns up at a woman's door in the middle of the night. Elton has also written the books for hit West End musicals including We Will Rock You (featuring the music of Queen), The Beautiful Game, and Tonight's the Night. His versatility is remarkable — he moves between comedy, fiction, theatre, and screenwriting with equal facility. The audiobook editions of Elton's novels are fast-paced and entertaining. His books and audiobooks are perfect for fans of satirical fiction, sharp comedy, and writers who can make you laugh while making you think.