World's Oldest Joke Book

A Cambridge academic has uncovered what is believed to be the world's oldest joke book.
The third century book of gags from the Roman Empire is written in Greek and entitled Philogelos, which translates as Laughter Lover.

Professor Mary Beard says it debunks the popular myth that the Romans were 'pompous, toga-wearing bridge builders'.

"A lot of the books written during the Roman Empire were written in Greek and although they might not be side-splittingly funny, they do give us a fascinating insight," she told the Daily Telegraph.

Prof Beard, who came across it while researching ancient humour for a book, said the jokes were categorised into themes including 'the absentminded professor' and 'the charlatan prophet'.

"One of my favourite jokes from the book, and probably one of the longest, is about a barber, a professor and a bald man," she added.

Another dating back to 248AD when Rome held what was billed as the 'Millennium Games' - tells the story of a distraught athlete: "Never mind," says a spectator. "You can always try again at the next Millennium Games."

There is also an ancient version of the Monty Python dead parrot sketch.

It reads: "A man buys a slave, who dies soon after. When he complains, the slave seller replies, "Well, he didn't die when I owned him".

Russell Brand's comedy hour

Russell Brand has been contracted to shoot a one-hour stand-up special in the US.

The British comedian - who has made a name for himself in America in movies such as 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' as well as hosting the recent MTV Video Music Awards - will tape the show in November, for airing in 2009.

The special will feature Russell along with "an eclectic roster of special guests".

Speaking about the Comedy Central programme, Russell said: "Comedy Central is the home of 'South Park', 'The Daily Show' and 'The Sarah Silverman Program'. I am thrilled to have such esteemed neighbours - particularly Sarah whom I shall be constantly troubling for cups of sugar and milk, breast milk."

Russell recently revealed he is keen to host the Academy Awards next year, and thinks he would be the perfect presenter.

He said: "I noticed there was an article in the Los Angeles Times newspaper saying that I should host the Oscars. So, I am available. I wrote it though, with a crayon. 'Why Russell Brand should host the Oscars', by Russell Brand!

"I think the Oscars would be a lovely challenge. What a day out! People would not be upset. They would have the Oscar ceremony of their lives. It would cheer people up during this time of economic crisis. What you need to do is take a few risks, that's my words.

"I will host the Oscars. Unless I've got all madly revolutionary by then and capitalism is already collapsing."

Article Source www.myparkmag.co.uk

More British Sitcoms Cross The Atlantic

The latest Britcoms to be given a makeover for broadcast in the USA include Steve Coogan's Saxondale, Nighty Night and Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt's The Mighty Boosh all are being rewritten and recast for American television companies such as NBC and Showtime, And the hit UK show little Briton , although this is somewhat unique as being written by and starring the same people in Matt Lucas and David Walliams.


British comedy programs have not always worked when transported across the Atlantic. Although some have won a cult following, such as Are You Being Served?, the US remake never even made it past the pilot. Various versions of John Cleese's Basil Fawlty character also failed to make an impression in the US with remakes of Fawlty Towers.


However, some remakes of British comedy classics have fared somewhat better. Most notably the remake of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's The Office, eventually became a major hit, despite an initial slow start. Warren Mitchell's, Alf Garnett, became Archie Bunker in All In the Family and the rag and bone men comedy sitcom Steptoe and Son was rewritten for the US TV comedy market as Sanford and Son.


There is much debate about the reasons why some comedies and sitcoms survive the journey from the UK to the US and visa versa, whilst other don't. Some people claim that the less that is done to change the original comedy show the better. Perhaps assuming that local audiences have to have everything 'translated' for them is one of the biggest mistakes.

Little Britain helps launch funnyordie.co.uk

Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas have helped launch the UK version of comedy website Funny or Die.

As co-founders of www.funnyordie.co.uk, the comedy duo are providing exclusive clips and sketches every month. Identical to its American brother funnyordie.com, the site invites aspiring comedians and sketch performers to upload their own comic videos alongside more established acts. Users are then invited to grade the videos. funnyordie.com was launched by comedian Will Ferrell, his Talladega Nights co-writer Adam McKay, and writer and producer Chris Henchy. Launched last year, the site was immediately made famous with The Landlord sketch, starring McKay's two-year-old daughter Pearl, and Ferrell. Pearl played the part of a swearing, drunk landlord, demanding overdue rent, while Ferrell played the terrified tenant. The video has now been viewed over 60 million times.

Earlier this year it was reported American TV channel HBO had signed a deal with the site to produce shows and DVDs, a moment Ferrell jokingly described would "change the way we as human beings interact with reality." Other popular videos include "acting masterclasses" by Spiderman actor James Franco, and Paris Hilton's recent response video to John McCain's election campaign advert which used her image.

The comedy portal reportedly attracted over nine million unique viewers in August 2008 alone. Little Britain's partnership with Funny Or Die comes at a convenient time for the pair, as they aim to crack America with the US spin-off version of their hit show. Lucas told the BBC: "My friend emailed a link to the American site and in particular the Will Ferrell sketches and it was really funny. Then we were approached to work on the British version and we were really excited.

"It's an interesting site because it mixes material from established comedians with that of aspiring comedians newcomers. It's something we're really excited to be part of." Anchorman actor Ferrell, said: "When I first saw Little Britain, I thought David and Matt were two of the funniest Canadians I've ever seen. And then I felt like an idiot when I realised they're from Australia."

The Little Britain stars will be blogging, as well as encouraging other UK comedians and celebrities to get involved.