FROM the controversial Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Father Ted to the Vicar of Dibley and Rev, religion has provided fertile ground for comedy.

In recent years, so we are told, Christ has become a favourite subject for atheist comics on the stand-up circuit.

To mark Holy Week, former MP and Strictly contestant Ann Widdecombe investigates why Christianity is such ripe material for mocking by comedians in Are You Having A Laugh? – Comedy And Christianity.

There will be a look at how some favourite comedies have portrayed the faith as she asks if there has been a shift to more offensive forms of comedy in recent years.

There are questions to be answered. Is mockery of all elements of the Christian faith offensive? Should no subject be beyond critique? Does she have a point when she says her faith is subject to harsher criticism than other faiths?

Those offering opinions include Life Of Brian director Terry Jones talking about the controversy surrounding the film’s release and Marcus Brigstocke on the force of new atheism in comedy.

There will also be contributions from the likes of broadcaster and comedian Steve Punt, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, former archbishop Lord George Carey, Citizen Khan writer and producer Anil Gupta, and Christian comic and Miranda writer Paul Kerensa.