The Most Popular Comedy Play, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the comedy play you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:33
Choosing the right comedy play for an evening out can be a delightful puzzle. With a plethora of comedic styles and narratives available, it's often helpful to see what has resonated with others. A ranking system based on popular opinion can provide insight into what might tickle your funny bone before you even step into the theater.
By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a broader consensus on standout comedic plays. This democratic approach not only reflects the general public's taste but also highlights emerging trends and preferences in comedy. Every vote helps ensure that the list remains current and reflective of what truly makes audiences laugh today.
What Is the Most Popular Comedy Play?
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150votes
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Oscar WildeThis play is a timeless classic that has been performed countless times since its premiere in 1895. It is known for its clever wordplay, witty dialogue, and satirical commentary on Victorian society.The Importance of Being Earnest is a popular comedy play written by Oscar Wilde. It is a satirical take on the social conventions and attitudes of the Victorian era. The play revolves around the story of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who create fictional characters to escape the burdens of their real lives. As their stories unfold, they find themselves entangled in a series of hilarious situations. Wilde's wit and clever dialogue are central to the play's success, making it one of his most celebrated works.- Genre: Comedy
- Year of Publication: 1895
- Setting: The Victorian era in England
- Themes: Deception, social class, marriage, and morality
- Characters: Jack Worthing, Algernon Moncrieff, Gwendolen Fairfax, Cecily Cardew, Lady Bracknell, and Miss Prism
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular play of all time
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234votes
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
William ShakespeareThis play is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, known for its magical, dreamlike quality and humorous portrayal of love and desire.A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy play written by William Shakespeare. It portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons. The play follows four lovers wandering into a forest controlled by fairies, resulting in mistaken identities, mischief, and hilarious situations.- Genre: Comedy
- Setting: Athens and a magical forest
- Characters: Theseus, Hippolyta, Hermia, Lysander, Helena, Demetrius, Oberon, Titania, Puck, and more
- Themes: Love, fantasy, mistaken identity, order vs. chaos
- Structure: Five acts
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular play of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular school play
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319votes
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
William ShakespeareThis play is another popular Shakespearean comedy that has been adapted and performed in many different ways over the years. It is known for its witty dialogue and the battle of wills between the two main characters.The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy play written by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of a headstrong woman named Katherina, known as the shrew, and her journey towards marriage and domestication. The play explores themes of gender roles, power dynamics, and the complexities of love, all presented through Shakespeare's wit and humor.- Genre: Comedy
- First performed: 1590s
- Setting: Padua, Italy
- Main characters: Katherina, Petruchio, Bianca, Lucentio
- Number of acts: Five
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413votes
Photographer-Henry Grossman, New York · Public domainThe Odd Couple by Neil Simon
Neil SimonThis play is a classic American comedy about two mismatched roommates who drive each other crazy. It is known for its sharp dialogue and relatable characters.The Odd Couple by Neil Simon is a classic comedy play that was first performed on Broadway in 1965. It tells the story of two mismatched roommates, Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison, who are forced to live together after their respective marriages end in divorce. Felix is a neat freak, while Oscar is a messy slob, leading to hilarious situations and conflicts. The play explores themes of friendship, conflict resolution, and the complexities of human relationships.- Genre: Comedy
- Premiere Date: 1965
- Setting: New York City
- Number of Acts: 3
- Main Characters: Felix Ungar, Oscar Madison
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525votes
KeepOnTruckin · CC BY 2.5Noises Off by Michael Frayn
Michael FraynThis play is a hilarious farce about a group of actors trying to put on a play. It is known for its intricate staging and physical comedy.Noises Off is a popular comedy play written by Michael Frayn. The play follows the story of a troupe of actors as they rehearse and perform a farce called 'Nothing On'. The plot takes a hilarious turn when the chaos, drama, and personal rivalries among the cast and crew spill over from backstage to the front of the stage. The play combines physical comedy, witty dialogue, and slapstick humor, making it a laugh-out-loud experience for the audience.- Genre: Comedy
- Setting: Backstage and onstage of a theater
- Number of acts: Three acts
- Characters: Nine main characters with various supporting roles
- Structure: A play within a play
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615votesThis play is a fast-paced, irreverent tribute to the works of Shakespeare. It is known for its clever wordplay and audience participation.The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is a comedy play written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield. It is a fast-paced and hilarious performance that aims to condense all 37 of Shakespeare's plays into just 97 minutes. The play combines physical comedy, improvisation, and audience interaction to entertain and delight the audience. It presents Shakespeare's works in a unique and comedic way, making it accessible to both Shakespeare enthusiasts and those less familiar with his plays.
- Genre: Comedy
- Length: 97 minutes
- Number of plays condensed: All 37 of Shakespeare's plays
- Style: Physical comedy, improvisation
- Audience interaction: Yes
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78votes
The Importance of Being Morrissey by Rob Johnston
Rob JohnstonThis play is a hilarious satire of Morrissey fandom and indie music culture. It is known for its sharp writing and offbeat humor.The Importance of Being Morrissey is a hilarious comedy play written by Rob Johnston. It is a satirical take on the life and legacy of musician and cultural icon, Morrissey. The play follows the story of a group of die-hard Morrissey fans who are determined to meet their idol and go to great lengths to make it happen. Filled with witty dialogues, absurd situations, and clever references to pop culture, this play offers an entertaining and lighthearted look at fandom and obsession.- Genre: Comedy
- Playwright: Rob Johnston
- Year of Release: 2019
- Setting: Contemporary
- Number of Acts: 2
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87votes
Okanfan · CC BY-SA 4.0The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow
Patrick BarlowThis play is a comedic adaptation of the classic spy novel by John Buchan, as well as the famous Alfred Hitchcock film. It is known for its inventive staging and physical comedy.The 39 Steps is a comedy play adapted by Patrick Barlow from the 1915 novel of the same name by John Buchan. It is a fast-paced and hilarious spoof of the classic spy thriller genre, taking the audience on a thrilling and absurd adventure.- Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller
- Adapted From: John Buchan's novel 'The 39 Steps'
- First Performance: 2005
- Setting: Multiple locations depicted through quick scene changes and minimal set pieces
- Cast Size: 4 actors playing numerous characters
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96votesThis play is a madcap farce about a famous opera singer who goes missing on the night of a big performance. It is known for its fast-paced action and hilarious misunderstandings.
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102votesThis play is a hilarious satire of American history, covering everything from the colonial era to the present day. It is known for its fast-paced, irreverent humor.The Complete History of America (abridged) is a comedy play that offers a hilarious and fast-paced look at the entire history of the United States of America. It was written by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor.
- Genre: Comedy
- Playwrights: Adam Long, Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor
- Length: Approximately 2 hours
- Number of actors: 3
- Style: Comedic parody and satire
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular comedy play
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Cultural RelevanceThe play's themes and content should resonate with a broad audience and tackle subjects that people find relatable or insightful. It should be able to connect with the viewers on a personal and societal level.
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TimelessnessA good comedy play should have elements that hold up over time, allowing it to remain funny and enjoyable for multiple generations. Plays that comment on universal human experiences or address timeless themes tend to be more popular in the long run.
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Wit and HumorA popular comedy play should provide consistent laughs for the audience, with clever, well-timed dialogue and engaging humor that feels fresh and original. This may include linguistic creativity, social satire, or physical comedy, among other forms of humor.
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Strong CharactersMemorable, well-developed characters are vital for a successful comedy play. Viewers should be able to connect with the characters and their struggles while enjoying the interplay between them as they navigate comedic situations.
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Structure and PacingThe play should have a clear structure, a well-defined beginning, middle, and end, and maintain a good pace to keep the audience engaged. The comedy should be well-timed and evenly distributed throughout the play.
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Innovation and CreativityThe play should bring something unique and original to the table, either through its storytelling, presentation, or dialogue. This can include subverting audience expectations, cleverly playing with genre conventions, or incorporating various artistic styles.
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Critical Acclaim and AwardsA popular comedy play often receives positive reviews from critics and might be the recipient of prestigious awards. This recognition helps to boost the play's popularity and overall reputation.
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Popularity and Box Office SuccessA successful comedy play will have strong sales and ticket demand, as a high turnout indicates that the play resonates with a wide audience. Word of mouth and positive audience reactions are also essential when determining the play's popularity.
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Legacy and AdaptationsA popular play should have a lasting impact on the theater world and continue to be discussed, performed, and studied by future generations. It may also inspire adaptations, such as film or television versions, which further cement its popularity and cultural significance.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular comedy play. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or comedy is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2960 views
- 171 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each comedy once every 24 hours. The rank of each comedy is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular comedy play
Comedy plays have been entertaining audiences for centuries, with their humorous storylines and witty dialogue. From ancient Greek plays to modern-day productions, comedy has remained a popular genre in the world of theater. But what is the most popular comedy play of all time? That's a difficult question to answer, as there are countless plays that have brought laughter to audiences over the years. Whether it's the slapstick humor of a farce or the clever wordplay of a satire, there's something for everyone in the world of comedy plays. So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh as we delve into the world of the most popular comedy plays of all time.
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