Anatomy of a joke

Laurie Taylor missed the alphabetical imperative reference to aardvarks when discussing the very welcome degree course in comedy writing and performance (April 14). An aardvark, an ayatollah and an academic are in earnest conversation about the nature of humour. The ayatollah says that all humour is theologically perilous and joking can seriously damage your health. The academic says that all humour can be categorised into three theories and various phenomenologies. The aardvark says: "Hey, do you guys realise who you're talking to?"

Colin Feltham
Sheffield Hallam University