Charles Mathews as various characters from his “At Home” show, 1822 © The Trustees

Charles Mathews as various characters from his “At Home” show, 1822 © The Trustees of the British Museum

What made people laugh 200 years ago? Among other things, old jokes and comedy performances in theatres. One of the leading comedians of the early 19th century was British actor Charles Mathews. Famous for his wit and his skill at mimicry, he kept audiences in stitches with his one-man shows, which were a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. How funny would we find his comedy routines today? Take a look at “The 19th-Century Comedy Routines of Charles Mathews” and decide for yourself.