JOY Breakfast

Join us for a one-off opportunity to witness live laughter experiments on stage, and discover some of the quirky science behind the fascinating — and sometimes odd — human behaviour that is laughter. Host Geoff Paine and real-life scientists will explore what makes us laugh, how it’s both contagious and good for us, and how it can open the door to the taboo.

This show is for the thinkers and the laughers, with every question met with strict scientific rigour* (*sort of). Among gags and giggles, we’ll attempt to clarify humour’s more murky depths through real-time research: Can we violate social norms just for laughs? Why aren’t mother-in-law jokes a thing anymore? Did mirror neurons just make you laugh, or was it really funny? Can we “punch down” and crack up at the same time?

Science tells us we’re comfortable laughing in groups; the feedback loop helps us bond with those around us. So expect an evening of comedic unity as you laugh, learn and connect with the rest of the room — endorphins no extra charge.