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Comedian Ben Elton has likened the modern wake movement to communist China, claiming that “there are things you can no longer say.”
Elton, 63, gained recognition for his behind-the-scenes work as a screenwriter for popular sitcoms Blackadder and The Young Ones.
But he has talked about the contrast between comedy in the past and now – he said his generation was all about ‘breaking the rules’ – while the younger generation today is all about ‘making rules’.
Elton told Radio Times: ‘There’s a touch of Maoism’ [form of communism] in the air, the smell of cultural revolution.
Comedian Ben Elton has compared the way of thinking today to Maoism, a form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung, also known as Chairman Mao.
“There’s a new way of thinking now – and you’re going to have to think it.
‘My wife recently came up with a good observation. She said our generation is all about breaking the rules and it seems the younger generation is all about making rules.
“These are things you can’t say anymore, these are things you should be saying now.”
Maoism was developed by Mao Tse Tung, also known as Chairman Mao, who was the founder of the People’s Republic of China, which he led as the head of the Chinese Communist Party from 1949 until his death in 1976.
Elton said a hallmark of acts in the 1980s was a movement against racist and sexist comedy, adding that they had a new way of thinking and trying to find new ways to be funny.
The comedian said he is proud of The Young Ones’ language and Blackadder is “still part of the culture.”
Elton is known for his behind-the-scenes work as a screenwriter for the hit sitcom Blackadder
He appeared on camera as the presenter of Channel 4’s stand-up comedy show Friday Night Live, which launched in 1985 and was responsible for boosting the popularity of a number of household names, including Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.
Elton’s comments about contemporary culture come after Jennifer Saunders of Absolutely Fabulous made similar comments last year.
The TV star and comedian, 64, said the new “wake up” mentality has changed comedy and people are now “talking themselves out” to tell jokes that could be considered controversial.
“Yeah, I think comedy has changed the way we used to. I think we’d probably talk our way through it by now,” she said during a talk at the Garrick Theatre. “It would be like, ‘We won’t have a good answer, so let’s not do that.’
“I think people are talking things out of their heads now because everything is sensitive in a funny way and what might seem sensitive and it stops a lot of the fun, maybe as jokes. I remember jokes. Stupid jokes and stuff.’
Jennifer Saunders believes her legendary sitcom Absolutely Fabulous would never have gotten off the ground had she pitched it in modern times
Elton will resume hosting duties later this month, when Friday Night Live returns to the screens with a one-off special as part of Channel 4’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Speaking about the return of the show, which was initially called Saturday Live before moving to its Friday night slot, Elton expressed joy that the show will be fully live again.
He said: ‘Those who know the show from years ago, I hope they know what to expect: great live entertainment, real cabaret, the way it used to be.
“I mean, I think that’s what’s missing from television right now. Everyone’s looking at stuff on their phones, pre-recorded, streamers, you know something within a week, and nothing is instant… But Saturday Live and Friday Night Live are pretty dangerous television.
“There’s no lag, everyone’s doing their act, there’s absolutely no editing, there’s no cut, there’s no intermission.
“The audience is either laughing or not, and you’re either right or wrong.”
The special will feature a selection of familiar faces made famous on the show, as well as new comedic talent currently on the track, including Harry Enfield, Jo Brand, Julian Clary, Rosie Jones and Mawaan Rizwan.
The program will be shown on Channel 4 and All 4 at 9pm on 21 October as part of Channel 4’s Truth and Dare season, which celebrates 40 years of broadcasting.