Mapping

Mapping is when you take one set of behaviours, rules, or dynamics from a familiar context and lay it over another, unrelated context — and then play both “as if” they are true at the same time. Both worlds are recognisable, both are played sincerely, and the fun comes from watching them collide.

Think of it as: Dentist as if they’re a detective. You’re still doing actual dentistry, but the interrogation lamp, the case files, the suspects — all of that bleeds in from the detective world.

Because mapping relies on recognition, both realities need to be established quickly and clearly. This is why the “as if” framing is so useful: it helps you hold both patterns in your head without collapsing them into parody or random chaos.

Examples across forms:

• Improv: A supermarket checkout run as if it’s airport security.

• Sketch: A royal coronation played exactly like a football match.

• Stand-up: Observing your in-laws’ Sunday roast as if you’re narrating a nature documentary.

The key isn’t inventing gags — it’s committing to the rules of both worlds so that the humour comes from the mapping itself, not from breaking it.