Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas at Greyfriars Church
Picture: Alex Baker PhotographySerious, funny - and much more besides, writes Alex Baker

If laughter is the best medicine, then Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas are well on their way to earning honorary doctorates in healing through hilarity. I was at Greyfriars Church in Reading last night (Thursday, 29 November) to experience the third 'Seriously Funny' tour.

As with the previous two, they were joined on stage by the singer Nicki Rogers whose poignant songs (including her remarkable new single Just one day) were a perfect balance to the boys' banter.

There was a warm glow radiating from the audience as they streamed out into the wintery air after the performance. Pastors and ministers always hope this is the case after their own sermons on a Sunday, but they'd be hard pressed to match the wit and wisdom of the preceding two hours.

Plass and Lucas, both seasoned writers and speakers, have hit on a winning formula: two grumpy old Christian men who've stopped living sanctimonious lives.

Anyone who's sat through convoluted sermons, listened to egotistic worship leaders or suffered through boring church meetings can tell you: there's more than just a grain of truth to what they're saying. In fact, judging by the belly laughs and knowing glances coming from the audience around me, I'd say their satire was pitch perfect.

It's a simple philosophy which revolves around amusing anecdotes and skits. They create a comforting atmosphere, encouraging Christians to be honest about who they really are - it's okay to not live up to the unreal expectations which traditional churches often espouse. It is possible to laugh at the eccentricities of the church whilst still loving Jesus.

Nicki Rogers
Picture: Alex Baker photographyWhile the laughs are plentiful, the moments of quiet sincerity are equally moving. Plass' poems, touching and filled with pathos, convey real insight into the human condition.

Lucas, on the other hand, shared his experiences of dementia in his family. It's their ability to recognize the pain and bewilderment inside us all which allows for great wisecracks as well as pastoral discernment.

The evening had many highlights: Plass' fake gospel reading involving Jesus with a woman offering him an egg was particularly hilarious.

It ended with questions from the audience. Some were fun and fluffy (most embarrassing moment ever) but some weren't (their thoughts on Women Bishops) - a good example of what their show is all about.

I had seen all of them before (Lucas was at the Blackpool Baptist Assembly in 2011, Plass and Rogers at the Bournemouth Baptist Assembly in 2009). But their dynamic together on stage is why I see these tours going on for quite some time yet.

Alex Baker is the creative co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a former sub-editor on The Baptist Times. He's also a photographer www.alexbakerphotography.com

Do youthful tears still flow?

Each November we remember those

who gave their lives for us.

Those remaining from the wars

without complaint or fuss,

Will bow their heads in homage and

think of those that died.

Up and down the country they will

lay their wreaths with pride.

They will talk in ageing voices of

comrades buried young.

And recall a distant land where

those boys did not belong.

Some have seen the unnamed graves

where crimson poppies grow.

They have seen the price of freedom,

where youthful tears still flow.

As images reel round and round

in their ever fading sight.

Let us bow our heads and give thanks

to those who fought for right.

Maggs Payne of New Baptist Church, Burton upon Trent. Maggs is the Honorary President Burton Monday Writers, Staffs

This poem was read on the Alan Titchmarsh show on Radio 2, as well as local radio and in church magazines. It was written following a visit to the National Arboretum.