IN the wake of England losing to Spain in the final of the European Championship, Ben Elton says he doesn’t “give much of a toss about any sport” and would rather watch some luvvies at the theatre than a cup final.
“Please don’t rescind my Aussie passport!” he jokes.
“I was sad we lost because England could really do with cheering up and so many people I love care about soccer very much.”
Right now the famous comedian is busy preparing to do an exclusive stand-up show at an intimate venue in Fremantle, previewing new material he will use on a full-scale UK tour, Authentic Stupidity, later this year.
“As ever I will be setting my sights on anything and everything that I find absurd, joyful, terrifying about myself and everybody else and then finding the funny in that,” Elton says.
“All of my shows are about Authentic Stupidity really as a comic’s job is to explore our shared absurdity and share a laugh about it.
“I’ve just given this show that title because everybody’s talking about Artificial Intelligence as the big threat but I think an even bigger one is Authentic Stupidity!”
• Ben Elton is killing two birds with one stone.
A seasoned comedian, actor, writer and director, Elton is probably best known for the ground-breaking TV shows The Young Ones and Blackadder, and the Queen musical We Will Rock You.
He’s also authored several novels including his successful debut, Stark, which was written in Freo.
But with many comedians now at the sharp end of “cancel culture” and Elton recently turning 65, does he occasionally second-guess himself or vet his own material?
“I try not to think in those terms,” he says.
“I trust my instincts and believe that if I stay true to my own ethical standards then I won’t cross any lines I can’t justify crossing.”
Dividing his time between London and his family home in North Fremantle, it’s clear Elton is still keeping tabs on the local arts scene in Perth.
“Speaking of great theatre, I highly recommend Sophia Forrest in Prima Facie at the State Theatre right now, a stunning performance in a brilliant and important play.”
Elton has been a long-term supporter of the Australian Labor Party, and all ticket proceeds from his preview show will go towards “Labor for Freo re-election campaigns”.
The Chook understands Fremantle federal MP Josh Wilson might be the warm-up act, juggling balls or doing his “follow the pea” trick.
Ben Elton Live is at Freo.Social on Parry St, Fremantle on Monday August 5 at 7pm till late. Tix at walabor.org.au/ben-elton-live-GA
by STEPHEN POLLOCK