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Something Understood

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

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Something Understood: Pricking Pomposity

31/01/2016

Pricking Pomposity

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Pricking Pomposity

Mark Tully considers the social importance of caricature, mockery and satire.

In a programme about caricature, satirical jokes and 'bringing people down to size', Mark Tully talks to cartoonist Steve Bell about the purpose - and the dangers - of mockery.

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.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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