Ben Elton is an atheist. Elton studied at Stillness Junior School and Godalming Grammar School in Surrey, South Warwickshire College in Stratford-upon-Avon and the University of Manchester. His first television appearance was a stand-up performance on the BBC1 youth and music programme, The "Oxford Road Show". His first TV success, at 23, came as co-writer of the television sitcom, "The Young Ones", in which he occasionally appeared. In 1983/84 he wrote and appeared in Granada Television's sketch show "Alfresco", which was also notable for early appearances by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane. In 1985, Elton produced his first
Simon Moore (writer) and "Gulliver's Travels", which won five primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Writing. In 1996 he was awarded The Humanitas Prize for screenwriting. He adapted and directed the stage world premiere of Stephen King’s "Misery" in London’s West End, and his comedy "Up On The Roof" was nominated for three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. Simon Moore (writer) Simon Moore is a British screenplay writer. He wrote the Emmy Award-winning "Traffik" TV miniseries, which was the basis for the Oscar-winning adaptation written for "Traffic" which grossed over $400m worldwide and won four Oscars. He is also the writer and