FIRST POLITE NATIVE: Who's 'im, Bill?
SECOND POLITE NATIVE: A Stranger.
FIRST POLITE NATIVE: Eave arf a brick at 'im!
The variety of Victorian wit was incredible. Irreverent, rich in bad puns and poor taste, it reflected the vigour of a nation rising to the peak of its power. Collapse of Stout Party was the culmination of many a joke - and they liked it.
In the first of two programmes Richard Stilgoe takes a look at Victorian humour and the people who created it, opening a window on one of the most fascinating of ages when stout parties' collapsed in unending profusion.
Also taking part:
JUDY BENNETT , ANNABEL HUNT CHARLES COLLINGWOOD Based on the book by RONALD PEARSALL
Producer JOHN KNIGHT