Ben Elton

Blackadder's Most Cunning Moments

Joanna Hanley

Роуэн Себастьян Аткинсон, Rik Mayall

A countdown of the top 40 "Blackadder" moments chosen by cast and crew members, celebrity fans and 15 genuine Blackadders.

How The Young Ones Changed Comedy

Sean Doherty

Keith Allen, Tony Allen

This documentary explores the legacy of one of the most notorious British sitcoms of all time. Launching alternative comedy onto our screens, the show made household names of its performers and writers and proved to be a huge influence, despite the BBC reportedly being baffled by what they'd commissioned back in 1982. Never before had a flagship comedy show contained so much violence, depravity and anarchy - it was a shot across the bow to mainstream comedians that things would never be the same again.

The Many Faces of Ronnie Barker

Sally Phillips, Ronnie Barker

Programme telling the story of Ronnie Barker, a quiet dedicated actor who might have been a bank manager but went on to become one of the country's favourite comedy stars. Ben Elton, Michael Grade, David Renwick and Josephine Tewson are among friends and colleagues who remember his genius. Famed as one half of the Two Ronnies and the likeable convict Fletcher in Porridge, he was also a prolific writer and admired actor in serious roles.

Blackadder Rides Again

Matt O'Casey

Роуэн Себастьян Аткинсон, Richard Curtis

This documentary marks the 25th anniversary since the first transmission of The Black Adder in 1983 and reunites the iconic cast to give their opinions on all series and specials. Narrated by John Sergeant, this in-depth guide includes interviews from the cast and crew, a clip from the pilot episode, clips from all four series and the specials, opinions about certain moments in the show, and much more. With interviews by Rowan Atkinson, writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, producer John Lloyd, Miriam Margolyes, Rik Mayall, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson, Tony Robinson and editor Chris Wadsworth.

We Are Most Amused

Phillip Schofield, John Cleese

We Are Most Amused was a gala event held at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 12 November 2008 in honour of the 60th birthday of Charles, Prince of Wales, in aid of The Prince's Trust. Prince Charles attended the event with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and younger son Prince Harry. The show had a similar format to the Royal Variety Show and showcased a variety of comedy acts. The performance was televised by ITV to the public on 15 November 2008. Robin Williams made his first UK stage appearance in more than 25 years. Tickets were sold to the general public and the event sold out in one hour.

Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule

Andy Humphries

Rik Mayall, Simon Pegg

Comedian Rik Mayall died suddenly on 9 June 2014. Mayall's blend of rocket-fuelled physical comedy, surrealism, subversive satire and pompous punk wit left a body of work that spanned four decades. Mayall's characters include the Black Country's investigative nerd Kevin Turvey, Felicity Kendal-adoring student and 'People's Poet' Rik in The Young Ones, ruthless MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman, seedy loser Richie in Bottom and larger-than-life characters Robin Hood and flying ace Lord Flashheart from Blackadder. Narrated by Simon Callow, this programme salutes Rik Mayall and celebrates his part in the UK's comedy history using rare and unseen archive footage. It also features contributions from people who knew or admired him, including Michael Palin, Simon Pegg, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton, Alexei Sayle, Christopher Ryan, Tim McInnerny, Jools Holland, Ruby Wax and Greg Davies.

Ben Elton: Live

Marcus Mortimer

Ben Elton

Although an incredibly successful writer, it is as a stand-up comedian that Ben Elton is most famous. In 1997 over 300,000 ecstatic fans around the country saw Ben Elton live during his sell-out tour which the media hailed as his funniest and most accessible material to date. Filmed during this epic tour this DVD is your opportunity to witness for yourself Ben Elton's brilliant storytelling talents. Don't miss it.

Much Ado About Nothing

Kenneth Branagh

Эмма Томпсон, Kenneth Branagh

In this Shakespearean farce, Hero and her groom-to-be, Claudio, team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro, the week before their wedding to hatch a matchmaking scheme. Their targets are sharp-witted duo Benedick and Beatrice -- a tough task indeed, considering their corresponding distaste for love and each other. Meanwhile, meddling Don John plots to ruin the wedding.

The Story of Bean

Роуэн Себастьян Аткинсон, Jeff Goldblum

Pending release of the movie "Bean," Rowan Atkinson reflects on his comedy career and reveals how his comic creation Mr Bean evolved. This 1997 documentary includes career clips as well as interviews with Atkinson, writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, British comedians Lenny Henry and Mel Smith and movie celebrities Jeff Goldblum and Burt Reynolds.

The Comic Relief Utterly Utterly Rude Video Live

Роуэн Себастьян Аткинсон, Billy Connolly

In April 1986, inspired by the previous summer's bombastic Live Aid event and the success of Amnesty's first four Secret Policeman's Ball shows, the UK's alternative comedy scene (and a few of the old guard) put on a fund-raising comedy revue at The Shaftesbury Theatre, London. The show's took place on 4-6 April, a recording was broadcast by the BBC on 25 April.

Ben Elton: Very Live

Juliet May

Ben Elton

Not just a tour but a Tour de Force, for this was the tour that grew. Originally planned to play just 40 dates, such was it's phenomenal success that it expanded to a staggering 112 performances and was seen by well over 200,000 people around the country. Now everyone has the chance to see this completely new and hilarious show for this is Ben Elton captured live and at his very best, just like being there in fact, maybe even better because this way you don't have to park your car or queue for the bogs at the interval!

The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball

Mike Holgate

John Bird, Rory Bremner

After the criticisms of the 1987 show’s disproportionate focus on music - and the financial disaster of its music-only Festival Of Youth weekend concert in 1988, Amnesty returned to the original formula that had been so successful in the 1976-1981 era with a primary focus on comedy. Pat Duffy was dropped from organising any further benefit events for Amnesty and for the 1989 show, Amnesty hired producer Judith Holder.

Three Summers

Ben Elton

Robert Sheehan, Rebecca Breeds

Set over three summers at The Westival, a fictional West Australian rural folk festival redoubtable local radio personality ‘Queenie' describes as "Australia in a tent". Two young musicians fall in love against a wider collection of tales dealing with a microcosm of contemporary discussion points, including Indigenous, immigration and refugee issues.

The Secret Policeman’s Third Ball

Ken O'Neill

Chet Atkins, Jackson Browne

When the British Amnesty shows finally resumed in 1987 after a six-year hiatus, the show format was retooled in an effort to take advantage of the growing number of rock musicians supporting Amnesty. Instead of the live show being primarily a comedy show with a few musical cameos, the event made a point of giving equal emphasis to the comedy and the music.

Maybe Baby

Ben Elton

Хью Лорри, Joely Richardson

Sam and Lucie Bell are a married couple who seem to have it all: good looks, successful careers, matching motorbikes, and an enthusiastic love life. The only thing they lack is the one thing they want more—a baby.

The London Studios: Home of the Stars

Robin Trump

Dermot O'Leary, Clive Anderson

The end of an era as the studios where ITV filmed its many shows for 45 years closes its doors for the last time.