Mark Tully considers the social role of mockery, the art of parody, lampoon and satire and what society gains from having its pomposity pricked.

He talks to cartoonist Steve Bell about the purpose of caricature, the hurt it may cause and the good it can do. With readings from poets Edward Bulwer Lytton and Carol Ann Duffy, and journalist Joe Queenan, along with music ranging from Beethoven to Jean Knight, this is a study in having our pomposity pricked.

The readers are Polly Frame, Francis Cadder and Jasper Britton.

Presenter: Mark Tully
Producer: Frank Stirling

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4. Show less