In this interdisciplinary area we consider the production, content, reception and wider socio-political implications of comedy in a variety of formats and from a range of perspectives. We successfully bring together leading academics and writers in the fields of media and communications, sociology, psychology, theatre, drama, film and television, computing, English, creative writing and social work.

 

Our research examines the production, content, reception and wider socio-political implications of comedy in its variety of formats from television sketch shows to comedy thrillers. All of our research and teaching is strongly underpinned by the belief that comedy is socially, culturally, politically and economically significant at local, national and international levels. Our work clusters around a number of overlapping themes that include:

• Mediated and Live Comedy
• Comedy and Identity
• Comedy, Taboo and Offence
• Comedy, Power and Ideology
• Comic Novels

 

We have strong links with the comedy industry and is supported by five Ambassadors:

• Jo Brand– Comedian, writer, actress and Brunel Honorary Graduate.
• Nitin Ganatra– Actor (e.g. Eastenders and Mumbai Calling).
• Lee Mack- Comedian, writer, actor and Brunel Honorary Graduate.
• Simon Minty– Co-founder and Producer of Abnormally Funny People.
• Geoff Rowe– Director & Founder of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival.