Two of the UK's greatest comedians have collaborated to bring us the delightfully amusing audio release of High Society, an acerbic satire on the nature of sex, drugs, politics and celebrity. Ben Elton's comedy on the misuse of drugs has been superbly abridged, and wonderfully enhanced through the superb dramatic expertise and impeccable comic timing of Rik Mayall. Those familiar with cult classics such as The Young Ones and The New Statesman will understand why Rik Mayall is considered to be one of the most talented individuals in showbiz. Known for his wild, loud, brash and often violent characterizations, Rik's style has never been duplicated, and he puts his colourful array of comic talent to superb use in this reading of High Society.
Rik Mayall rises beautifully to the challenge of the narrative and overcomes the difficulty of projecting a different vocal quality for each of the 20 characters. His comic tour de force lifts the characters ingeniously from the page and towards the kaleidoscopic world that the law has created for them.
Ben Elton used to be the angry young man of British comedy during the 1980's but his recent forays into stage musicals have convinced critics and commentators that he has lost his anti-establishment edge. However, his latest novel suggests that he has merely re-defined the nature of his polemic. High Society is a satirical look at contemporary drug culture, a social tirade that casts a cold and cynical eye right across the social spectrum. Elton embellishes his novel with an extensive selection of engaging characters, all of which are poised in one way or another into descent towards criminal depths.
'As a serious satirical novel (yes there is such a thing), High Society makes an indelible mark.' Amazon Review
'Another fix of comedy from a writer who provokes almost as much as he entertains.' Daily Mail
Ben Elton is one of the UK's most successful comedy writers and performers. An accomplished stand-up comedian and co-writer of television classics such as Blackadder, The Young Ones and The Thin Blue Line, he has scaled new critical heights through his novel writing. He has moved into the somewhat unexpected arena of co-writing musical theatre and he wrote the feature film Maybe Baby. He lives in London with his wife and three children.
Rik Mayall has worked extensively in film, theatre and television. He is perhaps best known for his roles in The New Statesman, Blackadder, Bottom and The Young Ones. He also one an Emmy for his performance as Mr Toad in the animated film The Wind In The Willows and his theatre credits include Cell Mates, Waiting For Godot and The Government Inspector. He lives in West London with his wife and children.