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Benjamin Charles Elton is the full birth name of the British comedian, author, and playwright known as Ben Elton.
Answer: True
Explanation: The full birth name of the noted British entertainer Ben Elton is indeed Benjamin Charles Elton.
Ben Elton was born in London in May 1959.
Answer: True
Explanation: Benjamin Charles Elton was born in May 1959 in Fitzrovia, London, England.
Ben Elton's father, Lewis Elton, was an English teacher.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton's father, Lewis Elton, was a physicist and educational researcher, not an English teacher.
Ben Elton is the nephew of the famous singer Olivia Newton-John.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton is the third cousin of Olivia Newton-John, not her nephew.
Ben Elton's involvement in theatre began with a childhood role in 'Peter Pan', which he described as a 'revelation'.
Answer: True
Explanation: A childhood role in 'Peter Pan' in 1969 was described by Ben Elton as an 'Epiphany' and 'revelation', marking a significant early influence on his theatrical interests.
Ben Elton studied drama at the University of Manchester, graduating in 1980.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ben Elton pursued his higher education in drama at the University of Manchester, successfully graduating in 1980.
What is Ben Elton's full birth name?
Answer: Benjamin Charles Elton
Explanation: The full birth name of the noted British entertainer Ben Elton is Benjamin Charles Elton.
Where was Ben Elton born?
Answer: Fitzrovia, London, England
Explanation: Ben Elton was born in Fitzrovia, London, England.
Who was Ben Elton's mother, and what was her profession?
Answer: Mary Foster, an English teacher
Explanation: Ben Elton's mother was Mary Foster, who worked as an English teacher.
Which of the following is a significant family connection for Ben Elton mentioned in the source?
Answer: His uncle is historian Sir Geoffrey Elton.
Explanation: A significant family connection for Ben Elton is his uncle, Sir Geoffrey Elton, who was a notable historian.
What childhood experience did Ben Elton describe as an 'Epiphany' that hooked him on theatre?
Answer: A childhood role in 'Peter Pan'.
Explanation: Ben Elton identified a childhood role in 'Peter Pan' as an 'Epiphany' that profoundly influenced his engagement with theatre.
Whom did Ben Elton meet at the University of Manchester where he studied drama?
Answer: Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson
Explanation: During his drama studies at the University of Manchester, Ben Elton encountered fellow comedians Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson.
Ben Elton's primary professions are limited to acting and directing.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton's professional career encompasses a broader range of disciplines than solely acting and directing, including significant contributions as an author, comedian, lyricist, and playwright.
Ben Elton was a peripheral figure in the 1980s alternative comedy movement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to being a peripheral figure, Ben Elton was a central and influential participant in the 1980s alternative comedy movement, known for his distinctive style of political satire.
Ben Elton co-wrote the highly successful television sitcom *Blackadder*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ben Elton served as a principal co-writer for the acclaimed television sitcom *Blackadder*, contributing significantly to multiple series within the franchise through his collaboration with Richard Curtis.
Ben Elton was the sole writer for the television sitcom *Blackadder*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton was a co-writer for the *Blackadder* series, notably collaborating with Richard Curtis, rather than being the sole author.
After graduating, Ben Elton immediately began his stand-up comedy career.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following his graduation, Ben Elton's initial professional role was as a scriptwriter for the BBC, preceding his extensive stand-up comedy career.
Ben Elton made his debut television appearance as a stand-up performer on *Oxford Road Show*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ben Elton's inaugural television appearance as a stand-up comedian occurred in 1981 on the BBC programme *Oxford Road Show*.
Ben Elton achieved his first major television success as the sole writer of *The Young Ones*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton achieved his first major television success as a co-writer for the sitcom *The Young Ones*, not as its sole writer.
The sketch show *Alfresco* featured early appearances by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Emma Thompson.
Answer: True
Explanation: The sketch show *Alfresco*, in which Ben Elton participated, served as an early platform for notable performers including Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Emma Thompson.
Ben Elton and Richard Curtis's writing partnership resulted in multiple BAFTA awards for the *Blackadder* series.
Answer: True
Explanation: The collaborative writing efforts of Ben Elton and Richard Curtis on the *Blackadder* series garnered multiple BAFTA awards, underscoring their critical success.
The inspiration for *Blackadder Goes Forth* came from research into the optimistic mood preceding World War I.
Answer: True
Explanation: Research into the prevailing optimism and perceived lightness of the period immediately preceding World War I served as a key inspiration for the thematic content of *Blackadder Goes Forth*.
Ben Elton became a prominent stand-up comedian primarily through his appearances on *The Ben Elton Show*.
Answer: False
Explanation: While *The Ben Elton Show* was a later television program, Ben Elton achieved prominence as a stand-up comedian primarily through his regular appearances on *Saturday Live* (later *Friday Night Live*).
Ben Elton served as the master of ceremonies at The Comedy Store in London starting in 1981.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1981, Ben Elton commenced his role as the master of ceremonies (compère) at The Comedy Store in London.
Ben Elton won three BAFTA awards for his work on *The Young Ones* and *Blackadder the Third*.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Ben Elton won BAFTA awards for his writing on *The Young Ones* and *Blackadder the Third*, the total number of BAFTA awards and the specific series for which they were awarded may differ from this statement.
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of Ben Elton's primary professions?
Answer: Musician
Explanation: While Ben Elton is recognized as an actor, author, comedian, director, lyricist, and playwright, 'Musician' is not listed among his primary professional designations.
Ben Elton played a significant role in which 1980s cultural movement?
Answer: The alternative comedy movement
Explanation: Ben Elton was a pivotal figure in the 1980s alternative comedy movement, contributing significantly to its development and popularization.
Which television sitcom did Ben Elton co-write alongside shows like *Blackadder* and *Mr. Bean*?
Answer: *The Young Ones*
Explanation: Ben Elton was a co-writer for the television sitcom *The Young Ones*, alongside his work on other notable series such as *Blackadder*.
What was Ben Elton's first professional role after graduating from university in 1980?
Answer: Scriptwriter for the BBC
Explanation: Upon graduating in 1980, Ben Elton's initial professional engagement was as a scriptwriter for the BBC.
Ben Elton's first television appearance was as a stand-up performer on which BBC programme?
Answer: *Oxford Road Show*
Explanation: Ben Elton made his debut television appearance as a stand-up performer on the BBC programme *Oxford Road Show*.
At what age did Ben Elton achieve his first major television success as the co-writer of *The Young Ones*?
Answer: 23
Explanation: Ben Elton achieved his first significant television success as a co-writer for *The Young Ones* at the age of 23.
Which of these actors did NOT appear in the sketch show *Alfresco* alongside Ben Elton?
Answer: Hugh Grant
Explanation: While Stephen Fry, Robbie Coltrane, and Emma Thompson were among the performers in *Alfresco*, Hugh Grant was not part of that cast.
The writing partnership between Ben Elton and Richard Curtis was particularly significant for which acclaimed television series?
Answer: *Blackadder*
Explanation: The writing partnership between Ben Elton and Richard Curtis was most notably significant for the creation and development of the acclaimed television series *Blackadder*.
What was the primary inspiration for the *Blackadder Goes Forth* series?
Answer: Research into the optimistic mood preceding World War I.
Explanation: The series *Blackadder Goes Forth* drew its primary inspiration from research into the atmosphere of optimism that characterized the period immediately preceding the outbreak of World War I.
Ben Elton gained significant exposure as a stand-up comedian through regular slots on which show?
Answer: *Friday Night Live*
Explanation: Ben Elton achieved substantial exposure as a stand-up comedian through his regular appearances on the program *Friday Night Live* (formerly *Saturday Live*).
Ben Elton's published novels exclusively belong to the dystopian fiction genre.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton's literary output includes novels that span multiple genres, such as dystopian fiction, comedy, and crime fiction, not exclusively dystopian themes.
Ben Elton wrote the book and lyrics for the musical *We Will Rock You*.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Ben Elton wrote the book for the musical *We Will Rock You*, the lyrics were derived from the songs of the band Queen, not solely written by Elton.
Ben Elton wrote and directed the film *Maybe Baby*, which starred Hugh Laurie.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ben Elton adapted his novel *Inconceivable* into the film *Maybe Baby* (2000), for which he also served as director and which featured Hugh Laurie in a starring role.
Ben Elton wrote the music for the musical *The Beautiful Game*.
Answer: False
Explanation: For the musical *The Beautiful Game*, Ben Elton was responsible for the book and lyrics; the music was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The musical *We Will Rock You*, for which Ben Elton wrote the book, ran for over a decade in the West End.
Answer: True
Explanation: The musical *We Will Rock You*, featuring a book by Ben Elton, achieved considerable success, running for 12 years in London's West End.
Ben Elton's stage play *Popcorn* won the Olivier Award for Best New Play.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton's stage play *Popcorn* received the Olivier Award for Comedy, not for Best New Play.
Ben Elton's novel *Popcorn* won the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award for Crime Fiction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ben Elton's novel *Popcorn* received significant literary recognition, including the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award for Crime Fiction.
Ben Elton wrote a song for The Wiggles in 2015 for their *Wiggle Town* release.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2015, Ben Elton contributed a song for The Wiggles' *Wiggle Town* release, specifically for the track 'The Wonder of Wiggle Town'.
Ben Elton's 2019 novel is titled *Identity Crisis*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ben Elton's novel published in 2019 bears the title *Identity Crisis*.
Ben Elton's play *Popcorn* received an Olivier Award for Best New Play.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton's play *Popcorn* was honored with an Olivier Award, but specifically for Comedy, not Best New Play.
Ben Elton's novel *Inconceivable* was adapted into the film *Maybe Baby*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The film *Maybe Baby* (2000) is an adaptation of Ben Elton's novel titled *Inconceivable*.
The musical *The Beautiful Game* received the London Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical.
Answer: True
Explanation: *The Beautiful Game*, a musical with book and lyrics by Ben Elton, was recognized with the London Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical.
According to the source, which genre is NOT typically associated with Ben Elton's published novels?
Answer: Romance
Explanation: Ben Elton's novels are typically associated with genres such as dystopian fiction, comedy, and crime fiction; romance is not prominently featured as a primary genre.
For which musical did Ben Elton write the book, featuring songs by the band Queen?
Answer: *We Will Rock You*
Explanation: Ben Elton authored the book for the musical *We Will Rock You*, which utilizes the extensive catalog of songs by the band Queen.
Ben Elton wrote and directed the film adaptation of his novel *Inconceivable*, which was retitled what?
Answer: *Maybe Baby*
Explanation: The film adaptation of Ben Elton's novel *Inconceivable*, which he also directed, was released under the title *Maybe Baby*.
For the musical *The Beautiful Game*, Ben Elton provided which elements?
Answer: Book and lyrics
Explanation: In the musical *The Beautiful Game*, Ben Elton was responsible for writing both the book and the lyrics.
How long did the musical *We Will Rock You* run in London's West End?
Answer: 12 years
Explanation: The musical *We Will Rock You*, for which Ben Elton wrote the book, enjoyed an extensive run of 12 years in London's West End.
Ben Elton's stage play *Popcorn* won which prestigious award?
Answer: Olivier Award for Comedy
Explanation: Ben Elton's stage play *Popcorn* received the Olivier Award for Comedy.
Which of Ben Elton's works won both a TMA Barclays Theatre Award and an Olivier Award?
Answer: *Popcorn*
Explanation: Ben Elton's stage play *Popcorn* received both a TMA Barclays Theatre Award and an Olivier Award.
Ben Elton's 2019 novel is titled:
Answer: *Identity Crisis*
Explanation: The novel published by Ben Elton in 2019 is titled *Identity Crisis*.
Which award did Ben Elton's novel *Popcorn* receive from the Crime Writers Association?
Answer: The Gold Dagger for Crime Fiction
Explanation: Ben Elton's novel *Popcorn* was honored with the prestigious Gold Dagger Award for Crime Fiction by the Crime Writers Association.
*The Wright Way*, a 2013 sitcom written by Ben Elton, received positive critical reviews.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton's 2013 sitcom, *The Wright Way*, was met with negative critical reception.
Ben Elton hosted a revival of *Friday Night Live* in 2022 to celebrate Channel 4's 40th anniversary.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 2022, Ben Elton hosted a revival of the program *Friday Night Live* on Channel 4, commemorating the channel's 40th anniversary.
Ben Elton's autobiography, *What Have I Done?*, is scheduled for publication in 2025.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ben Elton's autobiography, titled *What Have I Done?*, is slated for release in 2025.
Ben Elton played the character Verges in the 1993 film adaptation of *Much Ado About Nothing*.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1993, Ben Elton portrayed the character Verges in Kenneth Branagh's cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare's play *Much Ado About Nothing*.
The West End production of *The Upstart Crow* was cancelled in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answer: True
Explanation: The West End run of Ben Elton's play *The Upstart Crow* was curtailed in March 2020 as a direct consequence of restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ben Elton last toured the UK with his stand-up comedy in 2019 before a previous tour in 2005.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton's UK stand-up comedy tours occurred in 2005 and then again in September 2019, meaning the 2005 tour preceded the 2019 one.
Ben Elton's "Authentic Stupidity" tour addressed themes of Artificial Intelligence and generational shifts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The stand-up tour titled "Authentic Stupidity" by Ben Elton explored contemporary themes, including Artificial Intelligence and shifts between generations.
In 2004, Ben Elton was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Cambridge.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2004, Ben Elton received an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester, not the University of Cambridge.
Ben Elton received an Honorary Rose for lifetime achievement at the Rose d'Or festival in 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2007, Ben Elton was honored with an Honorary Rose award for lifetime achievement at the prestigious Rose d'Or festival.
Ben Elton was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2023 for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Answer: True
Explanation: In June 2023, Ben Elton was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his significant service to the entertainment industry.
Ben Elton was made a Companion of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts for his work with students.
Answer: True
Explanation: In recognition of his contributions to student development, Ben Elton was appointed a Companion of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
The 2022 revival of *Friday Night Live*, hosted by Ben Elton, won a Royal Television Society Award and a BAFTA.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2022 revival of *Friday Night Live*, hosted by Ben Elton, achieved critical success by winning both a Royal Television Society Award and a BAFTA.
Ben Elton presented a documentary in June 2023 titled *Ben Elton: The Great Railway Disaster*, focusing on rail privatization.
Answer: True
Explanation: In June 2023, Ben Elton presented a Channel 4 documentary titled *Ben Elton: The Great Railway Disaster*, which examined the complexities of rail privatization.
What was the critical reception of Ben Elton's 2013 sitcom *The Wright Way*?
Answer: Negative reviews
Explanation: Ben Elton's 2013 sitcom, *The Wright Way*, was met with predominantly negative reviews from critics.
In what year did Ben Elton host a revival of *Friday Night Live* on Channel 4?
Answer: 2022
Explanation: Ben Elton hosted a revival of *Friday Night Live* on Channel 4 in the year 2022.
What is the title of Ben Elton's autobiography, scheduled for publication in 2025?
Answer: *What Have I Done?*
Explanation: Ben Elton's autobiography, scheduled for publication in 2025, is titled *What Have I Done?*.
Which Kenneth Branagh film featured Ben Elton in a role?
Answer: *Much Ado About Nothing*
Explanation: Ben Elton appeared in Kenneth Branagh's 1993 film adaptation of *Much Ado About Nothing*.
What event caused the West End run of Ben Elton's play *The Upstart Crow* to be cut short in March 2020?
Answer: Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Explanation: The West End production of *The Upstart Crow* had its run prematurely concluded in March 2020 due to the implementation of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In what year did Ben Elton last tour the UK with his stand-up comedy before his 2019 tour?
Answer: 2005
Explanation: Ben Elton's UK stand-up comedy tour prior to his 2019 tour took place in 2005.
What themes were central to Ben Elton's "Authentic Stupidity" stand-up tour?
Answer: Artificial Intelligence and generational shifts
Explanation: The "Authentic Stupidity" stand-up tour by Ben Elton centrally addressed themes pertaining to Artificial Intelligence and generational shifts.
Ben Elton received an honorary doctorate from which university in 2004?
Answer: University of Manchester
Explanation: In 2004, Ben Elton was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manchester.
In June 2023, Ben Elton was honored with membership in which Australian order?
Answer: Order of Australia (AM)
Explanation: In June 2023, Ben Elton was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
What was the outcome of Ben Elton's live comedy show *Ben Elton Live From Planet Earth* on Australia's Nine Network in 2011?
Answer: It was axed after only three episodes due to low viewership.
Explanation: *Ben Elton Live From Planet Earth*, broadcast on Australia's Nine Network in 2011, was cancelled after only three episodes due to insufficient viewership.
Ben Elton was raised in a devoutly religious household and later became a practicing Christian.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton was raised in a non-religious household and identifies as an atheist.
Ben Elton married Sophie Gare in 1994 and they have two children.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton married Sophie Gare in 1994; however, the couple has three children, not two.
Ben Elton holds dual British and French citizenship.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton holds dual British and Australian citizenship, not British and French.
Ben Elton identifies as a socialist and has consistently supported the Labour Party throughout his adult life.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Ben Elton identifies as a socialist and has historically supported the Labour Party, his support has not been consistently unwavering throughout his adult life, with periods of distancing and re-engagement.
Ben Elton believes collaboration should be avoided with individuals holding different political views.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ben Elton has articulated that avoiding collaboration based solely on differing political views would unduly restrict social and professional interactions, emphasizing individual merit in relationships.
A parody sketch called 'Benny Elton' in *Harry Enfield and Chums* satirized Elton's image as a radical anarchist.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Benny Elton' parody sketch satirized Ben Elton's image not as a radical anarchist, but rather as a 'politically correct socialist'.
What is Ben Elton's stated religious belief?
Answer: Atheist
Explanation: Ben Elton has publicly stated that he identifies as an atheist.
Ben Elton obtained Australian citizenship in which year?
Answer: 2004
Explanation: Ben Elton acquired Australian citizenship in the year 2004.
How did Ben Elton respond to criticism regarding his collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber, a Conservative supporter?
Answer: He argued that political differences should not preclude professional relationships.
Explanation: When faced with criticism for collaborating with Andrew Lloyd Webber, a Conservative supporter, Ben Elton contended that political differences should not impede professional relationships.
The parody sketch 'Benny Elton' in *Harry Enfield and Chums* satirized Elton's image as:
Answer: A politically correct socialist
Explanation: The parody sketch 'Benny Elton' in *Harry Enfield and Chums* satirized Ben Elton's public persona as a 'politically correct socialist'.
How many children do Ben Elton and his wife Sophie Gare have together?
Answer: Three
Explanation: Ben Elton and his wife, Sophie Gare, are parents to three children.