Laughing at the

Ben Elton: Laughing at the 80s (1x1)

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Ben Elton leads a tour through the very best comedy of the 1980s and recalls the birth of 'alternative comedy'. Ben tells the tale of the decade in which he first came to public attention and provides new insight and revelations on a story that he was at the heart of. Ben meets Rik Mayall, Lenny Henry, Harry Enfield, Victoria Wood and Jimmy Tarbuck. There are also interviews with other comedy stars of the time, including Clive Anderson, Stephen Fry, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Ade Edmondson, Jo Brand and Nigel Planer. 80s comedy highlighted the huge social changes taking place at the time. The decade heralded the birth of `alternative comedy' and a youth-orientated Channel 4. Spitting Image lampooned politicians and The Young Ones reflected the divide between students and their parents. As well as showcasing all the most entertaining, memorable comedy of the time, the film also features newsreel and pop culture archive, contextualising the gags and revealing not just what was funny, but why it was funny.