At the Cheltenham Literature Festival, comedian and writer Ben Elton opened up about the persona he adopted during his stand-up career in the 1980s. Reflecting on his “angry” stage character, Elton described it as “a useful lie” rather than a true reflection of his personal beliefs.
Elton explained that despite being a staunch supporter of Labour and the welfare state, his political views were sometimes misunderstood. “When I was at university, I was considered worryingly right-wing,” he shared, “simply because I supported the Labour Party.” This contradiction highlights how political labels and perceptions can be misleading, especially in turbulent times.
Discussing the influence of his comedic style, Elton emphasized that the angry persona was part of the act – a crafted front that resonated with audiences but didn’t necessarily capture his authentic self. His reflections offered insight into the complexities of identity and public performance, particularly within the charged political landscape of the 1980s.