The 7 Funniest Plays to Read and Perform
Book RaiderThere may be no better way to brighten your day than by diving into a lighthearted play that tickles your funny bone. From slapstick humor to rib-tickling dialogue and humorous plot twists, these plays guarantee laughter and levity. Take a break, relax, pull up a chair, and get ready to tumble headlong into a world of comedy with these funniest plays crafted by genius playwrights.
A play's power lies not only in its performance but also in the words you read, the characters you meet and the splendid situations they find themselves in. It's all about the highs and lows, the gala and the drama, and the chuckles and the grins. Whether you're an aspiring performer searching for the perfect comedic spectacle, or simply a lover of literature yearning for a good giggle, these laugh-inducing, uproarious play scripts are just what you need.
Noises Off
by Michael Frayn
Why Noises Off is on this list: If you're needing a hilarious and smart read or play to perform, Noises Off is just the ticket. It encapsulates the essence of slapstick comedy combined with witty dialogue and outrageously funny scenarios.
Noises Off provides a sneak peek behind the scenes a theater production gone oh-so-wrong. As a troupe of mediocre actors struggle to prepare for their production, everything that could go wrong, definitely does. The result? A total breakdown of communication, intrigue, and lots of sardines all over the place. It's a stylish portrait of the joyful chaos that is theater life.
What readers like: Readers find themselves laughing out loud as they follow the troupe's train wreck of a production. They appreciate Frayn's ability to create irresistible comedy out of ordinary mishaps, and love the wildly exaggerated characters who are all too human. The chaos is contagious, making you want to read this play over and over again.
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Lend Me a Tenor
by Ken Ludwig
Why Lend Me a Tenor is on this list: Epic mix-ups, mistaken identities, and the nuttiest plot - Ken Ludwig's play Lend Me a Tenor is a comedic paradise that will leave you clutching your sides in laughter.
'Lend Me a Tenor' is a hilarious farce set in the 1930s. It tells the story of the world-famous tenor, Tito Merelli, who arrives in Cleveland to add star power to their Grand Opera Company. But things go awry when Merelli is accidentally given a double dose of tranquilizers, which leads to an ordinary guy, Max, being roped in to impersonate the star. Expect fluffed lines, slamming of doors, and one hilariously disastrous performance.
What readers like: Readers love the ludicrous situations, outrageous characters, witty dialogues, and fast-paced antics that all come together to make 'Lend Me a Tenor' a delightful treat. If you're looking to unwind with something that will constantly surprise you and never fail to get a chuckle out of you, this just might be the ticket.
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One Man, Two Guvnors
by Richard Bean
Why One Man, Two Guvnors is on this list: If a good hearty laugh is your cup of tea, then 'One Man, Two Guvnors' by Richard Bean is the play for you. Guaranteed to get your belly shaking with laughter, it's considered one of the hilarious plays around. It's the perfect addition to this list.
'One Man, Two Guvnors’ takes the reader (and performer) on an absurd and comical journey of mistaken identities, slapstick farce, and hilarious one-liners. Set in 1963, Brighton, England, the plot revolves around our protagonist, the endearing but easily confused Francis Henshall, who, due to a series of confusions, ends up being employed by two bosses (or 'guvnors'). The result is a wild ride of laugh-out-loud moments, brought to life by Richard Bean’s brilliant writing.
What readers like: Readers and performers love the way they can't help but crack up at the sharp, witty dialogue and over-the-top, often physical humour. They also appreciate the clever plot twists and turns, which always keep them on their toes. And who doesn’t love a play that keeps them laughing long after they've put the book down. Trust us, 'One Man, Two Guvnors’ is a hilarious detour from the usual drama.
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Middletown
by Will Eno
Why Middletown is on this list: Middletown, penned down by renowned playwright Will Eno, fits into our list because it masterfully shouts 'awkward silences' and 'unexpected belly laughs' in the realm of everyday life, delivering humor wrapped subtly within the regular oddities of human existence.
Middletown delves deep into the everyday lives of its inhabitants by painting a vividly real yet humorously surreal picture of the typical, generic town. It teeter-totters between the hilarious and the profound, exploring both the banalities and the miracles of life. One moment you're comfortably sitting in mundane, and the next you're hurtled headlong into a cosmic wormhole. That's Eno's gift — disrupting the ordinary with a large dollop of comedic anomaly.
What readers like: Readers appreciate Eno's knack for making the unremarkable remarkably hilarious, the everyday imbued with bouts of cosmic humor. They also appreciate the uncanny ability of Middletown to evoke laughter one moment and ideation the next, making them ponder on human existence and life's quintessential questions all in for a good dose of hearty laughs. The play's accessibility for performance has readers tickled pink too, gearing them up for an evening of hilarity with friends.
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Venus in Fur
by David Ives
Why Venus in Fur is on this list: Because nothing screams hilarious like a well-crafted play set in the world of an audition room. Classic farce at its best combined with engaging dialogue, ensuring both readers and performers will enjoy a good-hearted laugh.
Laced with rollicking humor and sharp wit, Venus in Fur revolves around a seemingly hopeless actress named Vanda who's desperate enough to try every trick in the book (and some new ones) for her dream role. This quick-witted immersion in the world of theater teeters along the tightrope of farce and reality, wrong and right, plush robes and latex outfits.
What readers like: Readers favor Venus in Fur for its sharp dialogue, spirited characters, and the genuine hilarity that flows through the situations. It's a perfect blend of sublime farce and touching human moments, which is bound to tickle your funny bone and capture your heart at the same time.
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November
by David Mamet
Why November is on this list: Imagine the lunacy of a president's office like one from a sitcom. That's 'November'. It's deliciously and unapologetically funny, making it a perfect fit for our list.
'November' is set around a few days before a presidential election. We are led by the befuddled President Charles Smith, whose popularity is tanking and desperately attempts to stay in power. Through bribery, blackmail, and the hilariously clumsy attempts to spearhead a turkey-pardoning tradition, this play will leave you laughing at the brilliantly executed political satire.
What readers like: Readers rave about 'November' for its sheer belly-laugh inducing humor, biting satire, and the smart way it pokes at political conventions. The comedic timing in the narrative is loved by many, and readers have often mentioned how they can't help but laugh out loud at the absurd situations that Mamet finds humor in. The dialogue is classic Mamet – sharp, fast-paced and witty.
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The Lyons
by Nicky Silver
Why The Lyons is on this list: The family comedy-drama in a hospital room might not sound like traditional laugh-riot material, but Silver has a knack for combining the absurd and the acerbic to produce hilarious results.
The Lyons starts with a rather grim scenario, a deathbed conversation between a terminally ill man and his wife. They're joined by their adult children who are dealing with issues of their own. Out of this depressing setting, Silver skillfully spins comedic gold, exploiting the drama, dysfunction, and downright absurdity that tend to accompany family gatherings. The characters’ peculiar quirks and their comically brutal honesty add even more humor to the mix.
What readers like: Readers who enjoy wit, sarcasm, and dark humor will find plenty to chuckle (or snort) over in 'The Lyons'. It's the perfect blend of humor and reality, which is probably why it’s such a hit with readers. The dysfunctional family dynamics coupled with utterly relatable characters make the comedy resonate on a personal level, leaving readers both amused and a bit contemplative.
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