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Barnes Plays: 1

The Ruling Class; Leonardo's Last Supper; Noonday Demons; The Bewitched; Laughter!; Barnes' People: Eight Monologues
By Peter Barnes
Series: Contemporary Dramatists
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Barnes Plays: 1 is a curated collection showcasing the sharp wit and dark humour of Peter Barnes, described by The Times as "one of the most original and biting comic writers working in Britain." The volume includes The Ruling Class, a savage tragedy laced with countless jokes that challenge societal norms, alongside Leonardo's Last Supper and Noonday Demons, ironic comedies rich in intellectual allusions and clever dialogue. The Bewitched offers a rousing blend of folk theatre and intellect, while Laughter satirises comedy itself. The collection also features Barnes' People, a series of intimate monologues filled with biting humour and existential reflection.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers with a keen interest in British theatre, dark comedy, and intellectually challenging plays. Theatre enthusiasts, students of drama, and fans of satirical writing will find this collection particularly engaging.

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This collection of plays by one of Britain's most controversial dramatists includes "The Ruling Class", "Leonardo's Last Supper and Noonday Demons", "The Bewitched", "Barnes' People: Eight Monologues".

This collection of plays by one of Britain's most controversial dramatists includes "The Ruling Class", "Leonardo's Last Supper and Noonday Demons", "The Bewitched", "Barnes' People: Eight Monologues".

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A selection of plays by one of the most original and biting comic writers working in Britain (The Times).

The Ruling Class is a scorching and savage tragedy, yet its jokes are innumerable... they throw wide open the windows of your mind, they enlarge your field of vision and they blow away the accumulated dust of ages (Sunday Times).

Leonardo's Last Supper and Noonday Demons are two ironic plays of delusion... Peter Barnes' dialogue is rich in surprising verbal twists, intellectual allusions and splendid jokes.

The Bewitched is a feast for intellectuals as well as a rollicking example of folk theatre (Plays and Players).

Laughter is a vicious satire on comedy itself, and Barnes' People are eight monologues written for some of the great stars of the English stage which let the listener into a whole and private world... their jokes in the face of existence were both burning and bitter (Daily Telegraph).

Peter Barnes is one of the unrecognised geniuses of the English theatre (Plays and Players).

Series: Contemporary Dramatists

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as a standout by The Times, this selection highlights Peter Barnes as a uniquely original and incisive voice in British theatre. Critics have lauded the plays for their intellectual depth, surprising verbal twists, and a balance of savage satire and comedic insight.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780413621801

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 December 1989

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 542g

Pages: 492

Collections

Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Peter Barnes Series: Contemporary Dramatists

About the Author

Peter Barnes (1931-2004) was a British writer and director whose work includes The Ruling Class (Nottingham and Piccadilly Theatre, London, 1968), Leonardo's Last Supper and Noonday Demons (Open Space Theatre, London, 1969), The Bewitched (RSC, Aldwych Theatre, London, 1974), Laughter! (Royal Court Theatre, 1978), Red Noses (RSC, Barbican, 1985) and Sunsets and Glories (West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, 1990). Over the course of his career he won many awards including the Evening Standard Award, 1969; the John Whiting Award, 1969; the Sony Best Play Award, 1981; the Laurence Olivier Award, 1985; the Royal Television society Award for Best TV Play, 1987; and was nominated for an Oscar in 1993.

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