9 Public Domain Comedy Plays to Read
Looking for a good laugh? Look no further than these nine classic comedy plays that are in the public domain and available to read for free. These plays have stood the test of time and are still beloved today for their humour and wit.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a satirical play about the social conventions of Victorian England. The play is full of witty dialogue and absurd situations, and it pokes fun at everything from marriage to class distinctions. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys dry wit and clever wordplay. You can read “The Importance of Being Earnest” for free at Project Gutenberg.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of his most beloved plays and for good reason. The play is a hilarious romp through the woods, where fairies and mortals collide in a series of mistaken identities and misadventures. The play is full of Shakespeare’s trademark wit and wordplay, and it’s a joy to read from start to finish. You can read “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for free at MIT’s Shakespeare Electronic Archive.
“Tartuffe” by Molière
Molière’s “Tartuffe” is a classic example of a comedy of manners, and it’s still as relevant today as it was when it was first written in 1664. The play is a satire of religious hypocrisy, and it tells the story of a man who pretends to be pious in order to swindle his way into a family’s fortune. The play is full of wit and irony, and it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys biting social commentary.
“The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” is a controversial play that’s been adapted many times over the years. The play tells the story of a headstrong woman who’s “tamed” by her husband, and it’s been criticized for its treatment of women. However, the play is also full of humour and wit, and it’s a fascinating look at gender roles in the 16th century. You can read “The Taming of the Shrew” for free at MIT’s Shakespeare Electronic Archive.
“The School for Scandal” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s “The School for Scandal” is a classic comedy of manners that are still performed today. The play tells the story of a group of wealthy Londoners who gossip and scheme their way through high society. The play is full of witty dialogue and memorable characters, and it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good farce.
“The Government Inspector” by Nikolai Gogol
Nikolai Gogol’s “The Government Inspector” is a biting satire of bureaucracy and corruption in Imperial Russia. The play tells the story of a group of officials who mistake a con man for a government inspector, and chaos ensues. The play is full of absurd situations and hilarious misunderstandings, and it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys political humour.
“She Stoops to Conquer” by Oliver Goldsmith
Oliver Goldsmith’s “She Stoops to Conquer” is a classic comedy of errors that’s been delighting audiences since it was first performed in 1773. The play tells the story of a wealthy young woman who pretends to be a barmaid in order to win the affections of a shy young man. The play is full of misunderstandings and mistaken identities, and it’s a lighthearted romp through the English countryside.
“The Comedy of Errors” by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” is one of his earliest plays, and it’s a classic example of a farce. The play tells the story of two sets of identical twins who are separated at birth and then reunite years later in a series of hilarious misunderstandings. The play is full of physical comedy and slapstick humour, and it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
“Volpone” by Ben Jonson
Ben Jonson’s “Volpone” is a dark comedy about greed and corruption in Renaissance Italy. The play tells the story of a wealthy man who pretends to be on his deathbed in order to trick his greedy associates into giving him their money. The play is full of ironic twists and turns, and it’s a fascinating look at the darker side of human nature.
These nine classic comedy plays are sure to bring a smile to your face and a laugh to your lips. From Shakespeare to Wilde, from Molière to Jonson, these plays are a testament to the enduring power of humour and wit. So why not take some time to read one (or all) of these plays and discover for yourself why they’re still so beloved today?
