To answer Ben Elton’s question, he has done a lot! You would expect a very prolific writer and comedian to pen a memoir worth reading and this doesn’t disappoint. With his trademark opinionated humour, he chronicles the highs and lows of his career, personal life, political beliefs, health and friendships.

The book begins with the death of his good friend and writing partner, Rik Mayall. Then a sombre chapter on the Elton family history, before launching into his own life. There is much about his work in the 1980s and 90s, but plenty on the years since. The development of famous work such as The Young Ones, Blackadder, The Thin Blue Line, We Will Rock You and Upstart Crow is very interesting, but equally interesting are what he calls ‘broken crockery’, the many projects which never got off the ground for various reasons. Ben eventually got Australian citizenship, because he met his wife, a bassist, while touring the country, so there is much about living there and trying to get into the industry. There are lots of anecdotes, from the hilarious, to the weird, to the sad. The writing does often come across as self-defensive and smug, but if a writer can’t stand up for their opinions and be proud of their work in their own memoir, then where else?

In summary, an entertaining and insightful read. You don’t have to like all of Ben Elton’s work or agree with everything he says to enjoy this book.

Published by Macmillan, 2025.