British Humour: A Serious Examination of Why We Might Be Laughing

Navigating the intriguing maze of British humour is much like trying to spread cold butter on toast -
it's a tricky endeavour that requires patience and, often, ends in unexpected messes. Historically
rooted in a medley of raucous slapstick and pointed wit, British comedy has morphed through the
centuries, mirroring societal, political, and media shifts. From jesters who likely tripped over their
shoes in the medieval period to contemporary comedians who might argue that tripping is, in fact, a
profound life metaphor, this note delves into the complexities and ironies of British humour,
charting its whimsical journey through time.

Current State

British humour is often characterised by its wit, subtlety, and frequent use of irony and
understatement. Deadpan is a type of comedic delivery in which humour is presented without a
change in emotion or facial expression, usually speaking in a monotone manner. It's a form of
humour that requires the listener to be active in interpreting the joke, rather than having it
signposted with overt cues like laughter or exaggerated expressions.

Some examples of shows and comedians that have a deadpan style:

1. The Office (UK Version): It's just a show about people working in an office. Thrilling, right?
Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, this seemingly mundane setup attracted a cult
following in the UK and even made Americans want their own version, that was highly
acclaimed. Who knew paper sales were so riveting?
2. Fawlty Towers: A delightful dive into the world of hospitality with Basil Fawlty, who possibly
took the term "unwelcoming host" a tad too literally. Recognised as one of the best British
sitcoms – not bad for a hotel nobody would want to stay in.
3. Blackadder: Rowan Atkinson shows us, through various historical eras, that sarcasm is indeed
timeless. It was hugely popular, probably because everyone secretly wants to be that witty.
4. Peep Show: Watching two flatmates navigate life is like seeing a slow-motion train wreck – you
can't look away, especially when it's through their own eyes. Its uniqueness has its own little
cult, which doesn’t involve robes or chants, thankfully.
5. The Thick of It: A closer look at British politics, making you wonder if it's a documentary rather
than satire. Its sharp writing influenced political discourse, proving comedy can be mightier than
the pen, or something like that.
6. Steven Wright: A man with a voice as flat as a pancake, but with jokes that make you question
your entire existence. His humour is the kind where you're not sure whether to laugh or have an
existential crisis.
7. Jack Dee: Imagine being told life's most frustrating truths by someone who looks like they've just
lost a lifetime supply of ice cream. That's Jack Dee for you.
8. Stewart Lee: He dissects society and comedy with such a straight face, you'd think he's
performing surgery. And in a way, he is – on our funny bone.
9. Jo Brand: Delivers razor-sharp feminist wit with the enthusiasm of someone reading a
microwave manual. And yet, it works every time.

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Historical Evolution of British Humour

1. Medieval Period: Jesters and minstrels were all the rage – because who wouldn't want to hear a
tune about the plague or a king's latest blunder? Their humour, a lively mix of pratfalls and jests,
didn't shy away from poking fun at the issues of the day. Sometimes, the truth is funnier than
fiction, especially when it's delivered with a jingle.
2. Renaissance to Enlightenment: William Shakespeare, often hailed for his tragedies, was equally
adept at comedy – who can forget the cross-dressing and mistaken identities? It was all very
sophisticated, of course. Restoration comedians then upped the ante, proving that nothing pairs
with intellectual wit quite like someone falling off a stage.
3. Victorian Era: As literacy rates improved, so did the jokes. Satirical magazines like "Punch" were
the Victorian equivalent of scrolling through a feed – albeit one filled with sharp-tongued
cartoons and quips. It tackled societal norms and foibles, but in a polite, restrained manner, as
any self-respecting Victorian would.
4. 20th Century: This was the era of eclectic tastes. While Charlie Chaplin was busy making silent
comedy an art form, elsewhere, the Goons were asking life's real questions, like why anyone
hadn't thought of putting sounds in space before. By the time "Monty Python’s Flying Circus"
came on the scene, deadpan had found its voice – and that voice often said something
hilariously absurd about the Spanish Inquisition.
5. Late 20th to Early 21st Century: A time when watching fictional people live out their mundane
lives in a documentary style became the pinnacle of comedy. "The Office" made us all question if
our own workplaces were subtly comedic masterpieces. Meanwhile, shows like "Peep Show"
and "The IT Crowd" presented everyday miseries and technical mishaps with such a straight face
that one couldn't help but feel both sympathy and schadenfreude.

In short, British humour, with its evolving layers of wit, irony, and, now, deadpan, has given
audiences a lot to chuckle about – often with the slightest of smirks.

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