corpsing

Corpsing is a theatrical slang term used to describe when an actor breaks character during a scene by laughing or by causing another cast member to laugh.^[1] Though the origin of the term is unknown, it refers to almost literally murdering the scene.^{[citation needed]} In American comedy "corpsing" is more commonly known as "breaking face".

A BBC TV programme on 18 November 2006 stated an opinion that the term "corpsing" originated when a living actor played a corpse on stage; there was sometimes a tendency to try to make that actor laugh.^{[citation needed]}

Corpsing is not a term exclusive to the theatre, but is also used to describe actions designed to cause hysteria in live television or radio. One of the most famous examples of this is on Test Match Special in the famous "Leg-over" incident.^[2] Another example is in the sitcom Green Wing. In it, footage is sped-up and slowed down partly for comic effect, but is also used to hide corpsing.^{[citation needed]} Green Wing actress Tamsin Greig (Dr Caroline Todd) has admitted to a tendency to corpse.^[3]

Corpsing is also a common event on the BBC Radio 2 Wake Up to Wogan breakfast slot with the show's presenter, Sir Terry Wogan, often breaking into fits of uncontrollable giggles and taking the rest of his team with him, such as Alan Dedicoat ("Deadly"), Fran Godfrey ("Mimi"), John Marsh ("Boggy"), with these occasions often lasting several minutes.

During the "Pete and Dud" sketches in the BBC comedy series Not Only... But Also, Peter Cook would deliberately ad lib in an attempt to make Dudley Moore corpse—and invariably succeeded.^[4]

See also

• Acting
• Laughter
• Theater
• Slang
• Breaking character
• The Carol Burnett Show
• Jimmy Fallon
• Weekend Update with Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler.

References

1. ^ arts.guardian.co.uk: "A greasepaint glossary", article on theatrical terms
2. ^ BBC Radio Five Live: Greatest Ever Commentary
3. ^ Channel 4: interview with Tamsin Greig
4. ^ Peter Cook: A Biography, Harry Thompson, Hodder and Stoughton, 1997

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