British Comedy Guide
The Infinite Monkey Cage. Image shows from L to R: Brian Cox, Robin Ince. Copyright: BBC
The Infinite Monkey Cage

The Infinite Monkey Cage

  • Radio factual
  • BBC Radio 4 / BBC Sounds
  • 2009 - 2024
  • 195 episodes (31 series)

Witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince. Also features Brian Cox.

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Series 21, Episode 1 - Science of Laughter

Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince are joined by Frank Skinner, Professor Sophie Scott and Professor Richard Wiseman as they look at the science of what makes us laugh.

Further details

Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of science/comedy chat. They are joined on stage, appropriately enough, by comedian Frank Skinner, as they look at the science of what makes us laugh, why we laugh at all, and whether humour and laughter are uniquely human traits.

Joining the panel are experts in what makes us chuckle, Professor Sophie Scott and Professor Richard Wiseman. They look at why laughter is not only an ancient human trait that goes a long way to making us the social animal we are today, but that rats and apes also enjoy a good chuckle.

They discover whether science can come up with the perfect joke and why a joke with the punchline "quack" is funnier than one with the punchline "moo".

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 13th January 2020
Time
4:30pm
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Brian Cox Host / Presenter
Robin Ince Host / Presenter
Guest cast
Richard Wiseman Guest
Frank Skinner Guest
Sophie Scott Guest
Production team
Alexandra Feachem Producer
Eric Idle Composer

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