Why Is That So Funny?, A Practical Exploration of Physical Comedy

Published by Nick Hern Books,  2006, softcover, index, 334 pages,  condition:  very good.

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.

This is the best book on comedy -- especially physical comedy -- that I've ever read. Wright begins by describing 4 kinds of humor -- the surprise laugh, the bizarre laugh, the visceral laugh, and the recognized laugh -- and goes on to offer insight after insight into how theatrical comedy works. The book is filled with theatre games, useful for actors and business people alike who need to up their "presence." Highly recommended.