05 Television (all broadcast dates are UK unless otherwise stated) (Ben Elton)
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This article is from the Ben Elton FAQ, by Andrew Wong andrew@theyoungones.com with numerous contributions by others.
05 Television (all broadcast dates are UK unless otherwise stated) (Ben Elton)
Sunday ALFRESCO, a Granada TV sketch comedy show that ran for two
10:30pm, series, featuring the talents of Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma
1982 / 1983 Thompson, Robbie Coltrane and of course Ben Elton. He has said
that he'd be embarassed if it was repeated, since it was
such a long time ago... Unfortunately for him, you can
occasionally catch it on Granada Plus...
1984 THE YOUNG ONES, the first UK "alternative-comedy" sitcom set
around a group of students, co-written with Rik Mayall and Lise
Meyer. Ben also popped up in cameo appearances in two of the
12 episodes. See the Young Ones FAQ for more information...
1985 HAPPY FAMILIES - A six-part series from Ben Elton, starring
Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson.
1986 FILTHY, RICH AND CATFLAP - Ben wrote this six-part sitcom,
assumed by the "media" to be the 'sequel' to The Young Ones.
It starred Rik Mayall, Nigel Planer and Adrian Edmondson but
was panned by the critics, and didn't succeed. Plans were
made for a second series, but never came to fruition.
1987 BLACKADDER II - co-writer with Richard Curtis (Four Weddings
and a Funeral, Mr. Bean), starring Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean)
as Edmund Blackadder, loyal subject to Queen Elizabeth I
(Miranda Richardson, also in The Crying Game).
Highly recommended!
1987-88 SATURDAY LIVE / FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - the host of a weekly
comedy/variety show for "young people". Tapes are very
hard to come by...
1988 BLACKADDER THE THIRD - co-written with Richard Curtis, with
Rowan Atkinson as Edmund Blackadder, servant to the thick
Prince Regent (Hugh Laurie). Ben had a cameo role as an
anarchist trying to kill the Prince in one episode.
1988 / 1989 "LIVE FROM LONDON" HBO COMEDY HOUR SPECIAL - the host of a
special comedy broadcast on the HBO Channel in the USA.
5 Mar 1989 THE SOUTH BANK SHOW - an ITV arts documentary series which
turned its' spotlight onto Ben Elton for one edition,
coinciding with the release of his first book Stark.
1989 Presented WOGAN (the UK's premiere chat show at the time),
standing in for Terry Wogan for two weeks.
1990 BLACKADDER GOES FORTH - Again co-written with Richard
Curtis, with Rowan Atkinson as Captain Blackadder trying
to avoid going over the top and into the trenches - a bit
difficult during World War One.
1990 THE MAN FROM AUNTIE - six-part stand-up comedy series with
the odd sketch, mostly based on his live performances.
Available on video.
1993 TONIGHT LIVE, an Australian chat show where he covered for
the main host Steven Vizard for a week.
Dec 1993 STARK - a TV film based on his novel. Ben wrote the
screenplay, and starred as CD.
Jan 1994 THE MAN FROM AUNTIE - a second series of his stand-up comedy
and sketches, material mostly taken from his Very Live tour.
It gained 7 million viewers.
May 1994 MORECAMBE AND WISE TRIBUTE SHOW (?)
This is mentioned in the superlative Morecambe & Wise
biography, Behind The Sunshine. If anyone has a copy of
this show, *please* let me know!!
Nov 1994 HARRY ENFIELD & CHUMS - guest-starred in a sketch as
Benny Elton, sending up his 'socialist right-on' image and
Benny Hill, chasing page 3 models to chastise them.
November THE THIN BLUE LINE - Wrote and produced this 7-part comedy
1995 series, set in a police station. Often reviewed as Elton's
attempt at 'traditional' comedy, a la Dads' Army and its'
ilk, but updated for the 1990s. The original press release
is available for your consumption.
March 1996 Presented some episdoes of THE NOSE AT TEN: THE BEST OF
COMIC RELIEF (highlights from the Comic Relief telethons),
and made frequent references to his short / lack of hair...
Nov 1996 THE THIN BLUE LINE - A second series...
February Presenter of THE BRIT AWARDS 1997, and caught dancing like a
24th 1997 sixth form geography teacher to the Bee Gees
March 1997 Presenter of one segment of COMIC RELIEF
Feb 1998 Came back to present THE BRIT AWARDS 1998. With more dancing.
Mar 1998 Was grilled by a psychologist on FACE TO FACE, a late-night
show.
Apr 1998 THE BEN ELTON SHOW -- an eight-part TV series featuring his
stand-up, but also making room for weekly appearances from
veteran Ronnie Corbett and Australian "comedians" Roy & HG.
Memorably sang (for all the wrong reasons) in the first show.
He has also been a contributing writer for various comedy shows, including
the Lenny Henry show.
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