Read Ben Elton’s What Have I Done? Here’s the Truth

Ben Elton's autobiography, What Have I Done?, is the kind of book you pick up expecting a breezy celebrity memoir and end up with a 470-page, deep-dive history lesson on the last four decades of British comedy and culture. It's an absolute must-read, a firework display of wit, insight, and just the right amount of glorious self-justification that makes it feel utterly authentic.

What’s instantly clear is that Ben Elton, the author, is every bit as acerbic, brilliant, and politically charged as the stand-up comic and writer we’ve watched for years. He’s a multi-award-winning machine—a novelist, playwright, lyricist, director, and the guy who essentially birthed the 'alternative comedy' revolution with Saturday Live.

This isn't a meek, retrospective look back; it's a frank, forthright, and energetic recounting of a massive career. He's clearly a writer who lives and breathes his work, and that passion leaps off every page. You get the sense of a mind that's constantly fizzing with ideas, occasionally missing the mark, but always, always committed to making people laugh, think, and, yes, getting on a few wicks in the process.

The book's biggest draw, for me, is the behind-the-scenes truth of his iconic projects. If you’re a fan of 80s and 90s comedy, you’ll be utterly gripped by pages detailing:

• The Young Ones: He gets right into the creative friction and collaboration with Rik Mayall—a relationship that was clearly foundational but not without its complex tensions, particularly around credit and the final product. He talks honestly about the characters, like Mike, that just didn't quite 'fly.'

• Blackadder: The insights into his writing partnership with Richard Curtis and the development of one of the greatest sitcoms of all time are gold. Understanding how those historical, yet hilariously anachronistic, scripts came together is fascinating.

• We Will Rock You: He discusses the surprising, sustained success of the Queen musical, an experience that critics frequently attacked but audiences adored. He's unapologetic about his work here, and it provides a great look into the world of major West End productions.

• The 'Broken Crockery': Equally compelling are the sections on the projects that never quite got made. This gives a refreshing perspective on the necessary grit and resilience required for a life in a creative industry—not everything turns to gold.

One particularly moving aspect is the way he writes about the death of his friend and colleague, Rik Mayall. The book begins with this sombre reflection, grounding the whole memoir in a real sense of loss and the value of those creative bonds.

Reading this book feels like sitting down with Ben Elton himself for a gloriously opinionated, non-stop, four-hour conversation over several pints. It's fast-paced, funny, and utterly compelling. Sir Lenny Henry's description is spot-on: "like being on a surfboard attached to a rollercoaster."

However, I'm not going to lie—it's not always a smooth ride. Elton has been famously criticised, and he doesn't shy away from addressing it. This sometimes gives the writing a self-defensive, even a touch smug, flavour. He’s happy to list his celebrity admirers (cue the humblebrag section) and feels wounded by the critics who turned against his later work.

But honestly? That's what makes it feel human, not AI. It's not a sanitised version of events. The lessons you take away are about resilience and conviction. He teaches you that creating something truly original often means getting on people's nerves, being misunderstood, and facing constant pushback. The man's output over 40 years is staggering, and the real lesson is that you have to back yourself, even when everyone else is throwing bricks.

After finishing What Have I Done?, the main feeling is one of immense respect for the sheer volume and cultural impact of the man's work. Yes, the book occasionally wallows in the critical slights, and the pace is a bit "baggy" at times (as one reviewer put it, he doesn't leave anything out!). But the enduring truth is that Ben Elton has been an absolute titan of British comedy and a vital chronicler of the times, both in his stand-up and his writing.

The book is an exhaustive, essential record of a life lived right at the nexus of art and politics. It’s an insight into where great comedy really comes from: talent, hard graft, and a stubborn refusal to shut up.

Final Verdict: Go buy it. You don't have to agree with everything he says, but you'll certainly be entertained, enlightened, and left with a newfound appreciation for how much one person can truly achieve.