The Craft of Comedy

The discipline of comedy acting doesn’t have many classic texts. The Craft of Comedy is unquestionably one of them, though. It is a compilation of correspondence between a young actor, Stephen Haggard, and the renowned actress Athene Seyler, in which the latter expounds upon the art of comedy in lucid and timeless terms.

This significant new edition, edited by Robert Barton, re-launches The Craft of Comedy as a handbook for the contemporary student , as well as an essential, canonical text. Incorporating practical exercises, contextual notes, illustrations and extensive appendices, it re-establishes Seyler as one of great practical theorists of comedy and comedy acting.

"a work on the art and craft of comedy as important in its own way as works by Stanislavski and Chekhov" – Oxford Theatre Companion

In 1939, a young, inexperienced actor wrote to a famous actress of his acquaintance, asking for advice on playing comedy. She responded enthusiastically, and they corresponded variously over the next year. The Craft of Comedy, a record of these exchanges, soon emerged as one of the few classic texts in the field of comedy acting.

This major new edition takes a brilliant book and makes it better. Editor Robert Barton has devised extensive supplementary material, including:

• An introduction to the correspondents, the culture of the time, and the evolution of their book;
• Summaries, definitions, and exercises and practice scenes for readers wishing to explore Athene Seyler’s invaluable advice;
• Photographs, additional essays by Seyler, and a guide to easily accessed video clips of her performing.

Seyler’s lucid guidance, and Barton’s scrupulous editorship, ensure this legendary work’s rightful status is restored: as one of the great practical guides to the craft of comedy, and an essential resource for actors and students of acting.