ben Elton Declares Donald Trump “Unsatirisable,” rules Out New ‘Blackadder’ Series
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Legendary British comedian and writer Ben Elton,65,renowned for his work on iconic shows such as the Young Ones
and Blackadder
,has stated that former U.S.President Donald Trump is “unsatirisable.” Elton,a prominent figure in London’s choice comedy scene of the 1980s,believes Trump’s unique persona presents important challenges to effective comedic critique. As Elton prepares to embark on his authentic Stupidity
stand-up tour in Australia, beginning March 13 in Perth, he also addressed the enduring legacy of Blackadder
, confirming that there will be no new series.
Elton rose to prominence as a writer for some of the most influential sitcoms of his time. His sharp wit and politically charged commentary established him as a household name. Now, as he prepares for his Australian tour, he is addressing some of the most pressing issues of the day through his stand-up performances.
Trump: Beyond the Reach of Satire?
While Donald Trump has been a constant source of material for late-night comedy shows, Ben Elton finds it increasingly arduous to extract humor from the situation. He shared his viewpoint on ABC News Breakfast,explaining why he believes trump defies comedic treatment.
He’s in it, the position no-one ever imagined he would be,
Elton said, referring to Trump’s presidency. And frankly, I don’t think there’s an awful lot to say about it from a comedy point of view.
Elton elaborated on his reasoning, stating:
I think Trump has been unsatirisable. As he hides in plain sight. He admits who is.
He further explained that Trump’s willingness to embrace negative qualities makes him a difficult target for satire.
He doesn’t say, ‘I’m a bully’ or anything, but he’s basically quite happy to act like one,
Elton continued, drawing a parallel to British politics. He’s like Boris Johnson was in Britain. There’s really not much you can say as they kind of embrace their own appallingness.
Comedy as an “Emergency Service”
In a world filled with uncertainty, Elton sees comedians as playing a vital role. He believes that laughter can unite people during challenging times.
We’re all feeling very uncertain these days. The world definitely appears to be vaguely going to hell in a handcart on so many levels,
Elton observed.
He emphasized the unifying power of laughter, stating:
Laughing together is a very good example of what we all have in common. And when so much is divisive out there in the world, I think I’m quite proud to be a comedian.
Elton’s Connection to Australia and Political Views
Elton has strong ties to Australia. His wife, Sophie Gare, is Australian, and he holds dual citizenship. He also owns a home in Fremantle, Western Australia.
While hesitant to explicitly endorse any particular Australian political party, Elton has consistently supported left-wing political ideologies and has been a notable donor to the UK Labor Party.
I believe strongly in the values of the community,
he stated.I think we should all put in.
Elton further elaborated on his political beliefs:
I think wealthy people like me should put in a bigger lot, that’s how I vote.
He expressed concern about prioritizing the individual over the community, particularly in the context of Trumpian politics.
And I think that when we forget the community and exalt only the individual, which is very much the Trumpian way, I think the community is better placed to fix its own problems,
Elton said. So, my vote and my politics are always about bringing people together and not exalting the great mythical strongman who will solve everything. I think we all know how that ends. And it’s not well.
No Return to Blackadder
Ben Elton is renowned for his writing contributions to the beloved Blackadder
series, alongside Richard Curtis. The show, starring Rowan Atkinson, captivated audiences for four seasons between 1983 and 1989, with Elton joining in the second series.
Despite the show’s enduring popularity, Elton firmly ruled out the possibility of a fifth series during his interview on ABC News Breakfast.
I don’t think there’s ever going to be another Blackadder. I don’t think there’s any appetite,
he stated.
he also highlighted the strong bond that still exists between the cast members.
We’re all still friends.I had dinner with both Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie only a few weeks ago when I was in London. Rowan came as well,
Elton shared. I think the fact that we’re all still friends is probably partly as we don’t do Blackadder anymore.
Elton believes that Blackadder
concluded perfectly with the poignant final episode of Blackadder Goes Forth
,set during World War I. The episode’s ending, depicting the characters going “over the top” into almost certain death, has resonated deeply with audiences.
we finished in 1989 with the scene where they all go over the top, which has seemed to have sort of sat in the culture, and we’re very proud of that,
Elton said.
He concluded by emphasizing the show’s place in history: the Adder was of its time, and we’re all proud of it.
Authentic Stupidity Tour Dates
Ben Elton’s Authentic Stupidity
tour kicks off in Perth on March 13 and 14.The tour will also include performances in Melbourne,Adelaide,Sydney,Canberra,Thirroul,Newcastle,Brisbane,and the Gold Coast.
Audiences can expect Elton’s signature blend of sharp wit and insightful commentary as he tackles the absurdities of modern life.
Ben Elton, Donald Trump, and the Enduring Power of Satire: An Exclusive Interview
Is satire dead in the age of Trump? Ben Elton’s recent comments suggest a important shift in how we view comedic critique of powerful figures.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Anya Sharma, you’re a leading scholar in comedic theory and political satire. Ben Elton’s assertion that Donald Trump is “unsatirisable” has sparked a debate. What’s your outlook on this claim,and how does it fit within the broader history of political satire?
Dr. Sharma: Ben Elton’s statement is certainly provocative,and it highlights a crucial tension within political satire. The effectiveness of satire hinges on the target’s capacity for self-awareness and a degree of vulnerability to ridicule. Trump, though, presented a unique challenge. His embrace of outrageous behavior, his disregard for conventional political norms, and his mastery of self-promotion often rendered traditional satirical methods less effective. Historically, satire has thrived on exposing hypocrisy and incongruity. Figures like Trump, who seemingly operate outside conventional morality, make this traditional approach more difficult. Think of the great satirists throughout history: Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain – they targeted specific moral flaws.Trump, however, seemed to revel in his flaws, turning them into a populist strength.
Interviewer: elton draws a parallel between Trump and Boris Johnson, suggesting that their self-acceptance of “appallingness” makes them difficult targets for satire. Is this a fair assessment, and what are some of the implications for future political satire?
Dr. Sharma: the comparison between Trump and Boris Johnson is insightful.Both figures skillfully used buffoonery and outrageous statements to their advantage. this challenges the traditional framework of satire, which relies on exposing hidden flaws to public scrutiny. This phenomenon highlights a shift towards a different kind of political commentary – perhaps one less reliant on traditional forms of satire and more focused on analysis, critique, and direct commentary. In the future, we might see a rise in forms that move beyond traditional ridicule and explore more nuanced approaches, such as investigative journalism with a satirical edge, or perhaps a greater reliance on absurdist humor which emphasizes the inherent absurdity of political situations.
Interviewer: Elton’s comments also raise the larger question of satire’s role in a polarized world. Can humor act as a bridge to unity, or does it risk further division?
Dr. Sharma: The role of political satire in a divided world is complex. While humor can indeed foster unity by providing a shared experience of laughter, the potential for division remains. Jokes aimed at political figures can inflame existing divisions. However, skillful satire can also facilitate productive dialog by forcing a critical examination of one’s own political viewpoints. Think about the long tradition of political cartoons: These have frequently enough helped bridge the gap between different perspectives by using visual satire.It’s all about the execution. Effective satire requires nuance, avoiding simplistic caricatures and promoting critical thinking.
Interviewer: Elton ruled out a new Blackadder series, citing the show’s perfect ending. What makes Blackadder so enduring, and what are some of its key elements that continue to resonate with audiences today?
Dr. Sharma: Blackadder‘s enduring appeal lies in its clever writing, its historical satire, and the memorable performances of its cast. Each series cleverly skewers a particular historical period, and though specific details might potentially be specific to those moments in history, the essence of the comedy of the show, as Ben Elton said, remains evergreen. The show’s wit, its exploration of power dynamics, and its masterful use of irony continue to resonate with modern audiences. Key elements contributing to its enduring success include:
Masterful wordplay and witty dialogue: Blackadder is renowned for its sharp,clever writing,full of puns,wordplay,and ironic statements that still make people laugh today.
Historical satire: By setting each series in a different historical period, the show cleverly critiques the flaws and follies of human nature through those specific historical situations.
Strong character growth: The cast of blackadder* is iconic, with their roles offering excellent comedic combinations.
Interviewer: Elton emphasizes the importance of community and collective obligation in contrast to what he sees as a Trumpian prioritization of the individual. How do these concepts inform political satire, both past and present?
Dr. Sharma: The tension between individual ambition and collective well-being is a recurring theme in political satire. Satirists throughout history have often exposed the dangers of unchecked individualism and celebrated the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility. In the context of the “strongman” and the “great mythical leader”,satire serves as a vital check on those in power by reminding us of our shared humanity and the need to hold power to account. By highlighting the destructive potential of individual hubris in favour of the communities’ wellbeing, political satire can foster a sense of shared purpose and act as a catalyst for positive change.
Interviewer: The article highlights Elton’s upcoming Australian tour, “Authentic Stupidity.” In closing, what should audiences expect and what is the enduring value of political satire in the contemporary world?
Dr. Sharma: Audiences can expect a blend of astute political commentary and witty observation of modern absurdities, an experience consistent with Elton’s long career. The enduring value of political satire in today’s world is to provide a space for critical thinking that simultaneously entertains and provokes the audience. It prompts audiences to question authority, confront uncomfortable truths, and ultimately, encourages active, engaged citizenship.
What are your thoughts on the role of satire in today’s political climate? Share your perspectives in the comments below!