A practical investigation of how comedy works, by a well-respected practitioner and teacher. With a Foreword by Toby Jones.

Comedy is recognised as one of the most problematic areas of performances. For that reason, it is rarely written about in any systematic way. John Wright, founder of Trestle Theatre and Told by an Idiot, brings a wide range of experience of physical comedy to this unique exploration of comedy and comedic techniques.

The book opens with an analysis of the different kinds of laughter that can be provoked by performance. This is followed by the main part of the book: games and exercises devised to demonstrate and investigate the whole range of comic possibilities open to a performer.

Why Is That So Funny? is an invaluable book for teachers and performers, and a fascinating read for anyone interested in how comedy works.

About the Author

John Wright is a director and teacher of theatre whose work is in much demand all over the world. He co-founded Trestle Theatre Company in the early eighties and co-directed much of their work. In 1992 he co-founded Told by an Idiot with Paul Hunter and Hayley Carmichael.

Reviews

'A welcome relief from the flood of performance studies theory, being firmly based in a lifetime of practice ... a must for any budding physical comedy performers - and an inspiration for everyone who treads the boards, whether they think of themselves as 'comedic' or not'

* Total Theatre Magazine *

'John Wright's magnum opus... a real labour of love and it is hard to believe that there is any aspect of the subject that he does not explore and explain... essential'

* British Theatre Guide *



Book Information
ISBN 9781854597823
Author John Wright
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Nick Hern Books
Publisher Nick Hern Books
Weight(grams) 431g
Dimensions(mm) 215mm * 135mm * 30mm