Mary Beard asks why we laugh and explores what laughter can tell us about ourselves, our relationships and the world we live in.

Mary visits the artist Maggi Hambling in her Suffolk studio to find out why laughter has inspired so much of her work and asks what it’s like trying to capture such a lively and chaotic expression on canvas. In Peterborough, she catches up with comedy icon and writer David Baddiel, who is on the road with his new stand-up tour. They explore the many meanings of laughter, from friendship and joy to cruelty and transgression.

Mary is also joined by neuroscientist Prof Sophie Scott and comedians Shaparak Khorsandi and Deborah Frances-White to ask what happens when we laugh. Is it universal? And should we all be taking laughter more seriously? Show less