Why We Laugh

Mary Beard asks why we laugh and explores what laughter can tell us about ourselves, our relationships and the world we live in. Mary visits the artist Maggi Hambling in her studio to find out why laughter has inspired so much of her work and asks what it's like trying to capture such a lively and chaotic expression on canvas. Mary catches up with comedy icon and writer David Baddiel to explore the many meanings of laughter, from friendship and joy to cruelty and transgression. And Mary is joined by neuroscientist Prof Sophie Scott and comedians Shaparak Khorsandi and Deborah Frances-White to ask what happens when we laugh. Is it universal? And should we all be taking laughter more seriously?