Cue montage!

Montages. They are a secret weapon in any comedy writer's armoury - well, presuming they're writing for television (montages can be a tricky thing to realise on radio, or indeed on stage).

Montages are effective for numerous reasons. They can be used to:

Accelerate the plot

Need to deal with a lot of plot in short order? Montages can be a great way to speed through it, whilst ensuring the material is engaging and funny. Years can pass in a minute; a burgeoning romance can be represented quickly and stylishly (and, ideally, hilariously).

Change the tone

Sudden tonal shifts in...