Pilcher, Dr. Helen

Art and Mind

http://www.comedyresearchproject.com/

Dr Helen Pilcher has a PhD in Molecular Neurobiology and is one half of the Comedy Research Project, which has developed a formula for the perfect sitcom, identifying 'Only Fools and Horses' as the funniest

How did you come up with the formula?

We watched an awful lot of television. The success is determined by multiplying the recognisability of the main character (r) by their delusions of grandeur (d). This is added to the verbal wit of the script (v) and the total is multiplied by the amount someone falls over or suffers a injury (f). The difference in status between the highest and lowest characters is added (s) and the total is divided by the success of the show's scheme (a). Is it scientific? It's pseudo-scientific. Einstein came up with e=mc2, but before he died he was working on a theory of everything. So I don't think an equation for a sitcom is ridiculous.

Why does 'Only Fools and Horses' fit your equation so well?

We all recognise somebody like Del Boy, the wheeler-dealer market trader. He's delusional. There are some cracking one-liners and there's a lot of brilliant physical comedy.

Will the formula work for aspiring comedy writers?

It works well on lots of different sitcoms. People could use it, but you do need writing talent.

What are your own favourite sitcoms?

I absolutely love Only Fools And Horses and I'm a huge fan of I'm Alan Partridge. I think The Royle Family is wonderfully scripted writing.