I think the poignancy of the situation is often a foil for the humour as well. Most of the best comedies often have an element of tragedy which gives them an added depth unseen in others. Likewise with standup comedy or jokes such as we have been discussing. Go back to Shakespear and beyon and you will find examples of the reverse as well - Look at the Porter scene in MacBeth to see how humour can add an extra dimension to a tragedy.

Had 'One foot in the grave' have ended with anything but Victor dying would it have had the same edge? How about Stephanie Cole in 'Waiting for God'. Not much to laugh about getting old and being in a home? Just watch the show.

And, to my mind, one of the all time classics of tragic/comic acting is Paul Whitehouse playing Rowley Birkin, QC, who's incomprehensible mumblings we had all laughed at for years. In the last 'Fast show', with tears in his eyes, we caught the odd snippets about the woman he loved so much. Absolute masterpiece and should be a lesson to all on not knowing whether to laugh or cry!

Cheers

DeG