Surely the whole point of Mr Bean, and the reason the series has a following in many countries, is the use of visual rather than verbal humour?

True, but I suppose it is how you use the visual media that counts? Using it to explain a cultural point or a matter of etiquette (I made a whole lesson out of that on Mr Bean in Room 426), about waiting in line at a buffet, being polite when checking in, not being loud in your room, and other items. That then sparks a discussion and becomes a talking point, or as I remember many a Chinese teacher telling me : "We hope you can make them speak out in class!". So, whatever works, and Mr B surely does!!!!!!!