Hall to present comedy show

Radio 2 is to air a documentary about the craft of making people laugh – hosted by the unlikely figure of Jerry Hall.

Comics including David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry, Ross Noble, Frank Skinner, Jo Brand, John Cleese and Reginald D Hunter will join psychologists to take a scientific look at the topic in The Art Of Laughter.

Hall said: ‘Most of us don't realise that laughter is very important to our sense of well being. You cannot feel depressed if you are laughing. You cannot get an ulcer while you are laughing. Laughter, even forced, can produce endorphins, and you become cheerful.

‘But the bottom line is, no matter what makes you laugh, the most important thing is to laugh as much and as often as possible.’

A BBC spokesman added: ‘By studying comedy styles such as sarcasm, satire and slapstick, through to popular and high-brow comedy, Jerry examines the neurological effect laughter has on our nervous system and moods and explains how laughter really can heal the body and mind.’

The hour-long show goes out on Tuesday August 11 at 10.30pm, as part of the station’s coverage of the Edinburgh Fringe, which also includes two stand-up showcases hosted by Jason Manford and regular reports in Claudia Winkleman's weekly Arts Show.

Hall previously exploring the topic of love for Radio 2 , in the Valentine’s Day documentary Aspects Of Love last year.

Published: 24 Jul 2009