Be Funny or Die

In defence of comedy: an exploration of why we laugh, what we find funny and the importance of humour

Packed with gags and examples of comedy at its best, Be Funny or Die is a fascinating investigation into how our species has developed and mastered this essential art form.

Be Funny or Die is a fascinating investigation into how our species has developed and mastered the essential art form of comedy where laughter is the universal language and only the funniest survive.

Comedy is a game that all humans play. There are big social prizes if you win, but it is easy to end up with custard pie on your face and the joke is on us if we don’t understand how it works.

So, what are the rules and why does comedy matter? Join professional comedy writer Joel Morris on a hilarious journey into the world of shared laughter where he reveals what comedy can teach us about ourselves. From stand-up to slapstick and sitcom to spoof, Morris examines comedic patterns, rhythms and dynamics to uncover the algorithms that secretly underpin comedy.