The Art of Laughter

Jerry Hall enlists the help of comedians to highlight the importance of laughter in our lives. She examines the psychology and physiology of laughter to determine how and why we laugh, what makes us laugh, and why it's one of our basic human needs. The documentary, which first broadcast in August 2009, features a host of guests who live and breathe comedy. They include David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry, Richard Curtis, Lenny Henry, Ross Noble, Frank Skinner, Jo Brand, John Cleese, Richard E Grant, Shazia Mirza, Reginald D Hunter, Ian La Frenais, Dr Oliver Double and Professor Mark Van Vugt. Looking at comedy styles including sarcasm, satire and slapstick; through to popular and high-brow comedy; Jerry examines the effect laughter has on our nervous system and explains how laughter really can heal the body and mind. No matter what makes you laugh, the most important thing is to laugh as much and as often as possible.