Benjamin Charles Elton (born 3 May1959) is an English comedian, writer and director. Born in Catford, London, he is the son of the physicist and educational researcher Lewis Elton and the nephew of the historian Sir G R Elton. He studied at Stillness Junior School and Godalming Grammar School in Surrey, and the University of Manchester. He became a stand-up comedian and comedy writer shortly after leaving university in 1980, and was a central figure in the alternative comedy scene in the 1980s. More recently he has achieved success writing lyrics for and producing musicals, and as an author.
Elton is married and has three children. He lives in London and Fremantle, Western Australia. Elton has had dual citizenship with Australia since 2004.
Fast-talking, witty comedy show starring the comedian Ben Elton with a weekly guest appearance from Ronnie Corbett who delivers his comic monologues from his famous rocking chair. Written by Mark Smith
Already a successful comedian, Ben Elton turned to writing situation comedies during the 1980s and penned BBC classics such as "Young Ones, The" (1982), "Blackadder II" (1986), "Blackadder the Third" (1987), "Blackadder Goes Forth" (1989) and during the 1990s "Thin Blue Line, The" (1995).
He provided lyrics for Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical, The Beautiful Game, which was nominated for Best Musical at the Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards in 2001 (2000 season).
His comedy, Popcorn performed at the Apollo Theatre, was awarded the 1998 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best New Comedy of the 1997 season.
He and Andrew Lloyd Webber were awarded the 2000 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama) for Best New Musical for The Beautiful Game performed at the Cambridge Theatre.
Has three children : Bert, Lottie and Fred.
Is co-writer of the Queen (I) Musical 'We Will Rock You' with the band itself.
He and Richard Curtis (I) were offered the chance to write "Police Academy - The London Beat", but turned it down.
Was a host of The Prince's Trust 30th Birthday: Live.
