Ben Elton Unveils the Truth Behind His Fiery 1980s Persona as a Strategic Deception

Ben Elton, the renowned comedian and playwright, recently shared insights into his notorious stage persona from the 1980s. He described the development of his aggressive personality during his time at the Comedy Store, a venue he labeled as “a bear pit and a hellhole.” This establishment became a focal point in Soho due to its late-night license, where Elton honed his craft.

Creating a Strategic Deception

Elton revealed that his onstage character appeared “aggressively angry and very righteous,” a stark contrast to his true self. He noted, “The material was true. The persona was a lie. But it was a very useful lie.” This theatrical approach allowed him to engage with audiences while delivering powerful political messages.

Political Views and Perceptions

Elton’s political beliefs have been a topic of discussion throughout his career. He described his politics as “balanced,” despite often being perceived as “aggressively left.” During his university years, supporting the Labour Party made him appear “worryingly right-wing” to some, particularly in a period when figures like James Callaghan were misunderstood. He stated, “I think Clement Attlee was the greatest peacetime leader we ever had, and Churchill was the greatest wartime leader.”

Influence of Family

• Elton’s mother, a literature teacher, appreciated his sitcoms but struggled with the confrontational themes of his stand-up.
• She famously advised him on his language use in comedy, saying, “The F word is all very well as an exclamation mark, but it’s very little use as a comma.”

Currently, Elton redefines his comedy style, likening it to a “one-person play.” He incorporates ideas and themes that excite or outrage him into his performances. This evolution reflects both his growth as a comedian and a commentator on contemporary issues.

In summary, Ben Elton’s fiery persona was crafted as a strategic deception to engage audiences during a transformative period in comedy. His insights into politics and personal influences continue to shape his unique approach to performance.