Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to A Modern, Thriving Society

British comedy

Study note

Comedy and satire, which is humour that pokes fun at people in power, have long been an important part of British culture. The satirical magazine Punch was first published in the 1840s and helped to establish this tradition. Today, the magazine Private Eye carries on the same kind of satire.

Television comedy has also been important. Monty Python's Flying Circus introduced a new and unusual style of comedy in 1969, and its influence is still felt today, while stand-up comedy has become popular once again. So for this topic, remember that Punch was first published in the 1840s and that Monty Python's Flying Circus appeared in 1969.

Memory tip: British satire: Punch (1840s) and Private Eye; Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969).

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 2

Which satirical magazine was first published in the 1840s?

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for British comedy(2 questions with explanations)

British comedy: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which satirical magazine was first published in the 1840s?

    • The Spectator
    • Punch
    • Private Eye
    • Hansard

    Correct answer: Punch

    The satirical magazine Punch was first published in the 1840s.

  2. 2. Monty Python's Flying Circus introduced a new style of comedy on television in which year?

    • 1896
    • 1969
    • 2012
    • 1840

    Correct answer: 1969

    Monty Python's Flying Circus introduced a new type of comedy in 1969.

Back to A Modern, Thriving Society, or try a mock test or timed exam.