Ben Elton, the prolific British comedian, writer, and satirist, is back in the spotlight with his latest stand-up show, Authentic Stupidity. Known for his sharp wit and scathing political humor, Ben Elton has been a significant figure in British comedy for over four decades. His new show, which touches on various topics from politics to technology, will soon hit stages in Dublin and Belfast, continuing his tradition of mixing humor with biting social commentary.
Artificial Intelligence vs. Authentic Stupidity
In Authentic Stupidity, Ben Elton delves into the absurdities of the modern world, particularly contrasting the fears around AI with what he believes is a more pressing issue—good old-fashioned human stupidity. “Forget AI! It’s AS we need to be worrying about!” Elton quips, drawing laughter while addressing the darker side of contemporary culture, such as conspiracy theories and misinformation. For Ben Elton, the internet, once viewed as a tool for democratic liberation, has instead plunged society into a new “dark age,” where facts are increasingly replaced by superstition and deceit.
Elton on Trump, Musk, and Boris
Never one to shy away from bold political statements, Ben Elton aims to prominent figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Boris Johnson in his latest tour. Describing Trump as “evil” and Musk as an “evil” influence, Elton spares no words in criticizing their impact on global politics and society. Boris Johnson also doesn’t escape his ire, with Elton calling him a “mendacious charlatan” fixated only on self-aggrandizement. For Elton, these figures represent the pinnacle of the “authentic stupidity” he seeks to expose.
With a career spanning everything from legendary sitcoms like Blackadder to musicals and novels, Ben Elton remains one of the most insightful voices in comedy. His new stand-up tour promises to be yet another sharp and hilarious dissection of the world today, reaffirming Elton‘s place as a stalwart of British satire.
