Little Theatre Blog Plays The Most Famous Plays of All Time

The Most Famous Plays of All Time

While the majority of the world is far more interested in what’s on at the cinema these days, there is nothing quite like watching an actor or actress bring a story to life on stage.

Whether you enjoy comedies, dramas, or musicals, the theatre has something for everyone and even if you’re not the biggest theatre buff, you’ve definitely heard of these most famous plays of all time.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Hamlet is the ultimate tragedy and has been a favourite amongst theatre goers since it was written in 1599 by famous English playwright and poet William Shakespeare.

In his timeless dramatic style, Shakespeare weaves the story of Prince Hamlet who discovers his mother has been unfaithful to his father, King Hamlet of Denmark, and that the King’s own brother, Claudius, took his father’s life. The prince is distraught by these revelations, but has doubts about avenging his father’s murder.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Written in 1948 by Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman debuted at Broadway in 1949 and has since been performed over 750 times and won 4 Tony Awards for Best Revival. Told in a most delicate way, Death of a Salesman explores the intriguing relationship between a father and his two sons, who seemingly refuse to accept each other’s failings in life.

However, in true dramatic fashion, circumstances ultimately lead them to face and accept their imperfections. While playing online slots Singapore may sound more thrilling, we assure you that you won’t regret attending a production of Miller’s finest work.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Written in 1894, The Importance of Being Earnest may have landed Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde in prison, but it still remains one of the most famous plays of all time. First performed in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest is farcical in nature and features a seemingly aimless plot which pokes fun at social institutions such as marriage.

While it drew criticism from critics, the audience enjoyed the light-hearted nature of the play and witty dialogue.

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

Written in 1949, Waiting for Godot was the first-ever professionally produced play authored by Irish novelist, poet, and playwright Samuel Beckett and tells the story of two men in search of the meaning of life.

The title is taken from the fact that the two wait by a tree for someone known as Godot and in their waiting, their conversation made up of satire and nonsense makes for whimsical entertainment.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

While some will be more familiar with the 1996 film of the same name which starred Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio as the ill-fated lovers, Romeo and Juliet is one of the earliest plays written by William Shakespeare.

Telling the story of a young couple whose deaths unities two long-feuding families, Romeo and Juliet echoes Shakespeare’s dramatic style and remains a favourite amongst theatre goers from all around the world.

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