History Of Comedy

ENJOYING THIS CONTENT? PLEASE SHARE FOR GOOD KARMA

COMEDY COURSE HOME | COMEDY BASICS | COMEDY WRITING | COMEDY PERFORMANCE | THE COMEDY BUSINESS | PRO COMEDIAN TIPS | HISTORY OF COMEDY | OTHER RESOURCES & MISC BITS

The Evolution of Laughter: A Deep Dive into the History of Comedy

Laughter is a universal language, transcending borders and connecting hearts. Throughout history, comedy has been a reflection of societal norms, values, and shifts. Dive deep into this rich tapestry, from ancient comedic plays to modern-day internet humor, as we unravel the vast and vibrant history of comedy.

The Roots: Ancient Comedy

• Greek Comedy: Greece, the cradle of civilization, also gave birth to comedy. Notable figures like Aristophanes penned satirical plays, while Menander shifted towards domestic and romantic themes.
• Roman Comedy: Roman playwrights like Plautus and Terence adapted Greek narratives, introducing new characters and scenarios that resonated with Roman audiences.

Laughs in the Middle Ages: Medieval Comedy

• Farce: Europe enjoyed these short, slapstick plays filled with exaggerated scenarios.
• Morality Plays: A unique blend of allegorical drama with dashes of humor, these plays delivered moral lessons in a captivating manner.
• Commedia dell’arte: This Italian improvised theater gave the world iconic characters like Harlequin and Pantalone.

Renaissance & Restoration: A New Era of Humor

• Comedy of Manners: Playwrights like Molière masterfully satirized the upper classes.
• Shakespearean Comedy: The Bard’s works, from “Twelfth Night” to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” showcased wit, romance, and intrigue.

Changing Times: 18th & 19th Century Comedy

• Sentimental Comedy: These plays, focusing on middle-class morality, offered both humor and poignant lessons.
• Vaudeville: A unique blend of comedy skits, music, and magic, these variety shows captivated audiences worldwide.
• Pantomime: Especially popular in the UK, these musical-comedy theatrical productions became a staple.

Lights, Camera, Comedy! 20th Century Humor

• Film: From silent comedy legends like Charlie Chaplin to screwball comedies and parodies, cinema became a primary medium for humor.
• Television: Shows like “I Love Lucy” and sketch performances in “Saturday Night Live” shaped comedic television.
• Stand-Up: Icons like George Carlin and Ellen DeGeneres took the stage, voicing societal critiques and personal narratives.

The Global Giggle: Modern & Contemporary Comedy

• Internet & Viral Comedy: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok democratized humor, enabling anyone to share their comedic creations.
• Alternative Comedy: This form embraced unconventional methods and themes, often pushing boundaries.
• Comedy Festivals: Events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival became hubs for comedic talents to showcase their art.
• Comedy from Around the World: From Africa’s burgeoning stand-up scene to the sharp wit of British humor

Exploring the Evolution of Comedy from Silent Films to Stand-Up

Comedy In The UK

• The beginnings of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Origins of Comedy

• A Brief History Of Standup Comedy
• The Birth Of Alternative Comedy

Comedians Who Changed The Game