In an interview with The Day last week (see full story in Friday’s Daybreak section), the very witty comedian Brian Regan, who appears Friday in New London’s Garde Arts Center made an interesting point about the nature of humor.

Given that his personal performance style is to “work clean” – no obscenity, rudeness or insults – Regan was asked about when he’s joking around offstage. He cheerfully acknowledged that, among friends, he can be considerably darker and profane. But it’s all contextual in the situation and about making each other laugh.

“After the space shuttle Challenger disaster, I met someone who said he would never laugh at a space shuttle joke,” Regan says. “And I remember thinking, ‘But … what if it’s funny? Are you not allowed?’ I found it intriguing that someone would or could draw the line whether they would laugh.”

Interesting stuff from one of the funniest people in the world. If you see only one comedian this year, make it this show.

Brian Regan, 8 p.m. Friday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $42-$71; gardearts.org, (860) 444-7373.