Whether you're a lifelong theater buff or just looking for a new way to enjoy literature, there’s something uniquely charming about reading a play. Some of the most famous comedy plays were written centuries ago, yet they still hit the mark with hysterical timing and witty dialogue. If you’re feeling bored and looking for funny plays to read, look no further. From Victorian satire to modern rhyming verse, these humorous works will have you laughing out loud.
Reading plays allows you to visualize the performance in your own mind, making it a great alternative to standard novels for book lovers everywhere.
Why You Should Read More Plays:
They are often shorter and faster to read than novels.
The dialogue is sharp and fast-paced.
They provide a unique look at historical social norms through satire.
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1. The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde wrote one of his most humorous plays in the 1890s. The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedy about couples that remains one of the most popular comedy plays ever written. It shows just how ridiculous some people’s standards are when it comes to relationships. Some don’t care about personality and value other unimportant aspects instead. The story contains many different plays on words, which keep the characters confused and the audience entertained. You can find the full text for free at Project Gutenberg.
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Wilde's masterpiece delves into the absurdities of high society during the Victorian era. Jack and Algernon, the male protagonists, engage in the farcical deception of dual identities to woo their beloveds, Gwendolen and Cecily, who are equally smitten with the name Earnest. The play unfurls a satirical tapestry of mistaken identities, exposing the shallow pretenses of the social elite. Wilde's sharp wit ensures a cascade of laughter, as the characters navigate through a maze of trivialities, elevating the trivial to the critical with delightful irony.
2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
There could be an entire article dedicated to Shakespeare's greatest comedies, but I'll only involve one. Of course, that's no reason to skip his other great works such as Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and All's Well That Ends Well. Although William Shakespeare has written tons of amazing comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of the best. It contains love, magic, and animals. There’s even a play within the play, which helps the audience relate to the characters. The mishaps that occur show how interchangeable men and women can be. In this play, love blossoms quickly and arbitrarily. For more on the Bard, check out the Folger Shakespeare Library.
3. Private Lives
In 1930, Noël Coward wrote this play about a divorced couple. Both of them are on their honeymoons with their new partners, and they end up staying in the same hotel in adjacent rooms. You’d expect them to have a blowout, but instead, they reconnect in the most unexpected way. This is a classic example of how plays that are funny often rely on awkward social situations. The play is composed of three acts, each of which is captivating. You won’t be able to stop reading once you begin. If you enjoy classic books and sharp wit, this is for you.
| Play Title | Author | Year Published/Performed | | --- | --- | --- | | The Importance of Being Earnest | Oscar Wilde | 1895 | | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | William Shakespeare | 1595 | | Private Lives | Noël Coward | 1930 | | Tartuffe | Molière | 1664 | | The School for Scandal | Richard Brinsley Sheridan | 1777 | | The 39 Steps | Patrick Barlow (Adapter) | 2005 | | La Bête | David Hirson | 1991 |
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Coward's genius is evident in the sharp, witty dialogue that continues to sparkle and amuse audiences long after its debut. With Amanda and Elyot—the main characters—exchanging razor-sharp repartees and absurdities, the play becomes a delightful rollercoaster of emotions. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the hilarity that ensues from their unexpected reunion makes for an evening of theatrical gold. It's a masterful mix of sophisticated humor and farcical situations, proving that the heart wants what it wants, propriety be damned! Whether you're in it for the comedy or the poignant observations on love and relationships, Private Lives won't disappoint.
4. Tartuffe
Tartuffe was written by Molière in 1664. It’s a theatrical comedy about a deceptive man. He tricks the main character into believing that he is trustworthy and gets his way for the majority of the play. This is definitely one of the more weird plays on the list due to its biting religious satire of the time. Will he get away with his plans or get what he deserves? Read this classical story to find out. Molière's work is essential for anyone interested in the history of modern literature and drama.
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Molière's Tartuffe is a masterclass in comedic timing and social satire. The play lampoons religious hypocrisy, as the titular character feigns piety to insinuate himself into the affections and household of a gullible bourgeois. With its clever wit and sharp observations, Tartuffe holds a funhouse mirror to society, exposing the absurdity of those who wear virtue as a disguise. Prepare to chuckle and even outright guffaw as the plot twists through schemes, misunderstanding, and comic relief. For anyone who loves a blend of highbrow humor and slapstick, this is a timeless piece that still resonates with audiences today.
In the journey of finding the perfect love story, one often gets lost in the plethora of quotes and dialogues. However, if you're looking for the epitome of romance, Allie & Noah's story can be your perfect solace. Check out these engrossing the notebook quotes that will make you believe in love's magic once again. these quotes provide a roller-coaster of emotions that every woman can resonate with.
5. The School for Scandal
Richard Brinsley Sheridan created The School for Scandal in 1777. It pokes fun at the upper classes by using stereotypes of the rich. There are several main characters and many different events that occur. As long as you can keep up with everything that happens, you should enjoy this play. It’s a funny or amusing play that still feels relevant today with our current obsession with celebrity gossip.
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Sheridan's satirical masterpiece dexterously intertwines wit with the follies of deception and intrigue. With characters such as the gossip-mongering Lady Sneerwell and the conniving Sir Joseph Surface, The School for Scandal delivers a comedic yet incisive glance at the duplicity of high society. The dialogue sparkles with the sharpness of a rapier, and the plot twists as if in a dance of masks at a ball, delicately embroidered with Sheridan's perceptive humor. If you revel in classic literature that knows how to draw forth a chuckle, you simply can't miss the mirthful machinations of this iconic play.
6. The 39 Steps
This play was adapted from novels written in the early 1900s and famously filmed by Alfred Hitchcock. When it was first performed as a play, it only contained four actors, although there were dozens of characters. Each actor would play multiple parts, which showed off their versatility. The play received an Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, and two Tony Awards. If that doesn’t make you want to read it, what will? You can learn more about the current productions on the official 39 Steps website.
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The 39 Steps is a comedic play adapted from two novels written by John Buchan in 1915 and the 1935 film adaptation of the same name. The play was first performed in 2005 and is written for four actors, although it features dozens of characters. Each actor plays multiple roles, showcasing their versatility and talent.
The play has been critically acclaimed, receiving the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play, and two Tony Awards for Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design. The play has been performed in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The 39 Steps follows the story of Richard Hannay, a British gentleman who finds himself embroiled in a mystery involving espionage and murder. He must use his wits and cunning to outwit his enemies and clear his name. Along the way, he meets a variety of colorful characters and experiences thrilling adventures.
7. La Bête
David Hirson wrote La Bête in 1991. If you enjoy poetry, you’ll love reading this play. It’s written in rhyme to give it a poetic feel. Molière (who is mentioned earlier) inspired the story to be written. It takes place in France and revolves around the head of the royal court. This is a great modern addition to any list of humorous plays.
Plays can be just as enjoyable when they’re read as when they’re watched. They offer a fast-paced alternative to novels and allow you to dive deep into character dialogue. Have you read any of these plays before? Did you enjoy them?
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Oscar Wilde wrote one of his most humorous plays in the 1890s. The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedy about couples that remains one of the most popular comedy plays ever written. It shows just how ridiculous some people’s standards are when it comes to relationships. Some don’t care about personality and value other unimportant aspects instead. The story contains many different plays on words, which keep the characters confused and the audience entertained. You can find the full text for free at /filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/21215448_6806_600x955.jpg)
There could be an entire article dedicated to Shakespeare's greatest comedies, but I'll only involve one. Of course, that's no reason to skip his other great works such as Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and All's Well That Ends Well. Although William Shakespeare has written tons of amazing comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of the best. It contains love, magic, and animals. There’s even a play within the play, which helps the audience relate to the characters. The mishaps that occur show how interchangeable men and women can be. In this play, love blossoms quickly and arbitrarily. For more on the Bard, check out the /filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/21215541_1298_600x951.jpg)
In 1930, Noël Coward wrote this play about a divorced couple. Both of them are on their honeymoons with their new partners, and they end up staying in the same hotel in adjacent rooms. You’d expect them to have a blowout, but instead, they reconnect in the most unexpected way. This is a classic example of how plays that are funny often rely on awkward social situations. The play is composed of three acts, each of which is captivating. You won’t be able to stop reading once you begin. If you enjoy /filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/21215610_7818_600x962.jpg)
Tartuffe was written by Molière in 1664. It’s a theatrical comedy about a deceptive man. He tricks the main character into believing that he is trustworthy and gets his way for the majority of the play. This is definitely one of the more weird plays on the list due to its biting religious satire of the time. Will he get away with his plans or get what he deserves? Read this classical story to find out. Molière's work is essential for anyone interested in the history of /filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/21215650_8232_600x964.jpg)
Richard Brinsley Sheridan created The School for Scandal in 1777. It pokes fun at the upper classes by using stereotypes of the rich. There are several main characters and many different events that occur. As long as you can keep up with everything that happens, you should enjoy this play. It’s a funny or amusing play that still feels relevant today with our current obsession with celebrity gossip./filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/21215720_0128_599x877.jpg)
This play was adapted from novels written in the early 1900s and famously filmed by Alfred Hitchcock. When it was first performed as a play, it only contained four actors, although there were dozens of characters. Each actor would play multiple parts, which showed off their versatility. The play received an Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, and two Tony Awards. If that doesn’t make you want to read it, what will? You can learn more about the current productions on the /filters:quality(70)/content/2013/12/21215738_6601_600x849.jpg)
David Hirson wrote La Bête in 1991. If you enjoy poetry, you’ll love reading this play. It’s written in rhyme to give it a poetic feel. Molière (who is mentioned earlier) inspired the story to be written. It takes place in France and revolves around the head of the royal court. This is a great modern addition to any list of humorous plays.
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