Synopsis
‘What Have I Done? snaps, crackles and pops with wit, bravado and glorious Ben-ness. A triumph’ – Stephen Fry
‘A big life chronicled by truly the Upstart Crow of our generation’ – Dawn French
Ben Elton has done everything and worked with everybody. Now, in this frank, forthright, and hugely entertaining book, he tells the whole story.
Discover the truth behind iconic hits like The Young Ones, Blackadder, and We Will Rock You. Relive the pioneering stand-up of Saturday Live that birthed a comedy revolution. From being the BBC’s youngest-ever sitcom writer to his most recent, critically acclaimed stand-up tour, Ben reveals unique insights into his groundbreaking work.
He talks honestly about his relationships with brilliant friends, inspiring contemporaries, and occasional foes. His life off-screen has been just as challenging and funny as it has been on, and he unpacks it all with wit, insight, and of course, a ‘little bit of politics’.
For decades, Ben’s been making people laugh, think, and getting on plenty of wicks - these are the uncensored stories.
‘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
'Bloody marvellous' – Jo Brand
Details
09 October 2025
9781035059942Reviews
What Have I Done? snaps, crackles and pops with wit, bravado and glorious Ben-ness. A triumphStephen Fry
Funny and fascinating, it’s a story of triumph and disaster and is the closest you’ll get to understanding where great comedy comes fromDavid Mitchell
Gripping, funny, breathtakingly honest and endlessly entertainingRichard Curtis
A gloriously dizzying ride through Ben Elton’s long and (still) very successful career, taking in the highs, the lows, the accolades and the slights. Bloody marvellousJo Brand
