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We start with a dedication to our friend Mark, because when you lose someone, comedy can feel like the only honest way to breathe again. From a story about trying to leave flowers in the right place to the little moments that would have made him laugh, we keep the tone warm, real, and a bit chaotic, exactly as life tends to be.

Then we zoom out into the history of comedy and British humour, from Restoration theatre and music hall to silent film slapstick and the craft of Charlie Chaplin. We talk about why physical comedy worked when film had no sound, why satire keeps coming back in every era, and why panel shows like 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Mock The Week, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, and Taskmaster feel so addictive when comedians bounce off each other.

We also get into the messier side: offensive comedy, intent, and how “the line” shifts with time. We unpack why some jokes are built to challenge social norms, why context matters when old scenes get cut on streaming, and why being offended on behalf of others can backfire. Along the way we share what actually makes us laugh, from dry humour and surprise to the genius of Bob Mortimer and the psychology behind Jimmy Carr.

If you enjoy comedy podcasts, British comedy history, and thoughtful chats about censorship and culture, hit subscribe, share this with a mate, and leave a review. What comedian always makes you laugh, no matter how rough the week has been?

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