Farce Collection

The Farce by William Barribal
A young red-headed woman seated in a box at the theatre, feigns interest in what her older male companion has to say while secretly enjoying a kiss on the hand from a young, handsome beau. Date: 1917

Actors on stage in the days of Shakespeare
Theatrical performance in the days of Shakespeare. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Theatre, A Cuckoo in the Nest 1925, Nerman
A scene from A Cuckoo in the Nest, a popular farce playing in London in 1925. Here, the impeccable husband is discovered by his wife and in-laws in a ladys bedroom (equally impeccable)

Diana Decker and Bonar Colleano in Maurice Elveys Is Your Honeymoon Really Necessary (1953)

Bonar Colleano and Diana Dors in Maurice Elveys Is Your Honeymoon Really Necessary (1953)

Wyndhams Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London. Showing at this time was The Candidate - a farce by Justin H. McCarthy. Date: 1908

Rookery Nook by Ben Travers
Promotional postcard for Rookery Nook by Ben Travers. First produced at the Kings Theatre, Southsea, 21st June and the Aldwych Theatre

Half Past Eight by P Rubens and C H Bovill
Promotional postcard for Half Past Eight, One of those Musical Things by Paul Rubens & C. H. Bovill; music Paul Rubens. First produced at the Comedy Theatre on 10th August 1916

The Girl in the Taxi by F Fenn and A Wimperis
Promotional postcard for The Girl in the Taxi adapted by Frederick Fenn & Arthur Wimperis from Die Keusche Susanne (Wilhelm-Theater, Magdeburg, 26/2/1910) by George Okonkowski; music Jean Gilbert

Be Careful Baby, by Salisbury Field and Margaret Mayo. First produced in England at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, March 1918, then the Apollo Theatre, London, April 1918

DONALD SINDEN, SANDRA DICKINSON AND MICHAEL WILLIAMS IN THE STAGE PLAY OUT OF ORDER - OCTOBER 1990

DONALD SINDEN AND SANDRA DICKINSON IN THE STAGE PLAY OUT OF ORDER - OCTOBER 1990

The Rivals by Sheridan
3749542 The Rivals by Sheridan; (add.info.: The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, with Kate Cutler as Lydia Languish (14 August 1864-14 May 1955)

One boy writes the alphabet with chalk on a blackboard while another finishes it by writing on his back
DUV4204051 One boy writes the alphabet with chalk on a blackboard while another finishes it by writing on his back. Cover of the album drolatic (abecedary) beg 20th century (chromolithograph)

people sleeping and posing on benches turned back, 1900 (b/w photo)
LUX4806121 people sleeping and posing on benches turned back, 1900 (b/w photo); (add.info.: France: Fantasy photo: people sleeping and posing on benches turned back, 1900); Photo © Lux-in-Fine

Bernard Blackmantle (Charles Molloy Westmacott) reading his Farce in the Green Room of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
FLO4619019 Bernard Blackmantle (Charles Molloy Westmacott) reading his Farce in the Green Room of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

France, Brittany, Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Saint-Lunaire (Saint Lunaire): August 1903
LUX4784926 France, Brittany, Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Saint-Lunaire (Saint Lunaire): August 1903, preparation for the return with wicker luggage and souvenirs, the end of the holidays

Toby stealing a jug of ale from Hodge and Roaf and leaving a pot of piss in its place
FLO4718094 Toby stealing a jug of ale from Hodge and Roaf and leaving a pot of piss in its place. Copperplate engraving after a satirical illustration by Timothy Bobbin (John Collier) (1708-1786)

Cover of a booklet of "pranks and catches", tricks of fun physics, circa 1910 (Baudot house founded in 1908)
PCT4267964 Cover of a booklet of "pranks and catches", tricks of fun physics, circa 1910 (Baudot house founded in 1908). Catalogue of articles for fun in society

American daily life: schoolchildren playing egg breaking, traditional Easter leisure, at school, around 1800
NWI4882873 American daily life: schoolchildren playing egg breaking, traditional Easter leisure, at school, around 1800. Colour engraving, based on an illustration by E. A

Lawyer pouring wine into the nose of a drunken vicar. Copperplate engraving after a satirical illustration by Timothy
FLO4718008 Lawyer pouring wine into the nose of a drunken vicar. Copperplate engraving after a satirical illustration by Timothy Bobbin (John Collier) (1708-1786) from Human Passions Delineated

April Fool Day card, little girl with a fish, c.1900 (photomontage)
PCT4257004 April Fool Day card, little girl with a fish, c.1900 (photomontage); © Patrice Cartier. All rights reserved 2023

Halloween tradition: boys frighten their friends with a pumpkin (Jack O'Lantern or Jack O'Lantern)
NWI4879969 Halloween tradition: boys frighten their friends with a pumpkin (Jack O'Lantern or Jack O'Lantern), 19th century

France, Ile-de-France, Paris (75): genre scene, part of Colin-Maillard, 1860 - dry buffer: gaf photography
LUX4816761 France, Ile-de-France, Paris (75): genre scene, part of Colin-Maillard, 1860 - dry buffer: gaf photography, depose in paris; (add.info.: France, Ile-de-France, Paris (75): genre scene

The schoolmaster fell asleep. A student tickles his nose with a twig, en dof 19th century (lithograph)
DUV4823560 The schoolmaster fell asleep. A student tickles his nose with a twig, en dof 19th century (lithograph); 10, 5x7 cm; (add.info)

Mr. Henry Gattie as Monsieur Morbleu in the farce " Monsieur Tonson" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
FLO4594874 Mr. Henry Gattie as Monsieur Morbleu in the farce " Monsieur Tonson" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

English dandies and belles pushing over a nightwatchman's box. Tom Getting the best of a Charley
FLO4661998 English dandies and belles pushing over a nightwatchman's box. Tom Getting the best of a Charley. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Isaac Robert Cruikshank

Brandon Thomas as John of Gaunt in King Richard II
3586095 Brandon Thomas as John of Gaunt in King Richard II'; (add.info.: Photograph of Brandon Thomas (1848-1914) an English actor, playwright, songwriter and author

Childhood games: the little devil. J. Langlume, publisher, Paris, c. 1840. Decoupted images. Dimensions: 5 x 5 cm
DUV4218222 Childhood games: the little devil. J. Langlume, publisher, Paris, c. 1840. Decoupted images. Dimensions: 5 x 5 cm.; 05x05 cm; (add.info.: Childhood games: the little devil. J)

Letter J, K and L (juggling, judge and kepi then moon, rabbit, lamp, spear), c.1920 (print)
DUV4202560 Letter J, K and L (juggling, judge and kepi then moon, rabbit, lamp, spear), c.1920 (print); 16x24.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: ABC de Guignol by Griff (French illustrator)

Letter U: A bad dream. Engraving of "The soldier's alphabet". E.R. Stop!, publisher, Paris, circa 1916
DUV4209468 Letter U: A bad dream. Engraving of "The soldier's alphabet". E.R. Stop!, publisher, Paris, circa 1916

Letters E and F: Cheeky and Fierce. Engraving in " Usual alphabet "
DUV4207408 Letters E and F: Cheeky and Fierce. Engraving in " Usual alphabet ". Illustrations on the theme of qualities and defects in children. A. Quantin, printer-publisher, 1885

Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. From almanac: Konigl. Grosbritannischer Historischer Genealogischer Calender, 1790. Aloys Blumauer's Vergils Aeneis travestirt (1783)

Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. From almanac: Konigl. Grosbritannischer Historischer Genealogischer Calender, 1790. Aloys Blumauer's Vergils Aeneis travestirt (1783)

Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. From almanac: Konigl. Grosbritannischer Historischer Genealogischer Calender, 1790. Aloys Blumauer's Vergils Aeneis travestirt (1783)

Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. From almanac: Konigl. Grosbritannischer Historischer Genealogischer Calender, 1790. Aloys Blumauer's Vergils Aeneis travestirt (1783)

Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Almanac: Konigl. Grosbritannischer Historischer Genealogischer Calender, 1790. Aloys Blumauer's Vergils Aeneis travestirt (1783)

Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Almanac: Konigl. Grosbritannischer Historischer Genealogischer Calender, 1790. Aloys Blumauer's Vergils Aeneis travestirt (1783)

The unexpected twins, 1763. Creator: Jacobus Buys
The unexpected twins, 1763. Scene from "'t Koffyhuis: Kluchtspel", (The Coffeehouse Farce), by Willem van der Hoeven

Scene from Mr. Brougham's comedy of "Romance and Reality", at the Hammersmith Theatre, 1860. London stage production. Act IV

Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Blumauer's Aeneide, 1789. From almanac: Konigl. Grosbritannischer Historischer Genealogischer Calender, 1790. Aloys Blumauer's Vergils Aeneis travestirt (1783)

Scene from "Pefroen with the sheep head", 1740. Creator: Cornelis Troost
Scene from "Pefroen with the sheep head", 1740. "Pefroen met het schaapshoofd", farce by Y. Vincent

A Flemish Kermis with a Performance of the Farce ‘Een cluyte van Plaeyerwater, c.1570. Creator: Peeter Baltens
A Flemish Kermis with a Performance of the Farce Een cluyte van Plaeyerwater, c.1570

Mooy-Aal and her Suitors, c.1630-c.1640. Creator: Claes Cornelisz. Moeyaert
Mooy-Aal and her Suitors, c.1630-c.1640. Scene from Bredero's farce, "Moortje", staged for the first time in 1615 in Amsterdam

Tons of Money, New York, [1930s]. Creator: Unknown
Tons of Money, New York, [1930s]. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

The Best Cure, New Orleans, 1938. Creator: Unknown
The Best Cure, New Orleans, 1938. St. Charles Theatre...The Best Cure - An Uproarius Farce Comedy'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Horse Eats Hat?, New York, 1936. Creator: Unknown
Horse Eats Hat?, New York, 1936. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. The Federal Theatre Presents A Hilarious Farce by Paul Vulpius - "Help Yourself"...'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Santa Maria High School Auditorium...Sponsored by Associated Students & Faculty..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project - Div

Help Yourself, (Palm Springs?), [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, (Palm Springs?), [193-]. Plaza Theatre..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project - Div. of W.P.A.'

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Mt. Park Casino, Holyoke, Mass...The Federal Theatre presents "Help Yourself" - A Rollicking Farce by Paul Vulpius - Staged by Willard Dashiell - Music by Federal

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Savoy Theatre...."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project - Div. of W.P.A.'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Ebell Theatre - Two Matinees...."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project - Div. of W.P.A.'

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Union Hi-School Auditorium...Sponsored by Inglewood Chamber of Commerce..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project - Div

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Campus Theatre Berkeley - Sponsored by the American Legion...tickets on sale at Veterans Memorial Bldg..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal

Engaged, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Engaged, [193-]. W.P.A. Federal Theatre W. Duval St. - "engaged" - A Farce in 3 Acts'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Help Yourself, Yonkers, NY, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Yonkers, NY, [193-]. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

Little Jessie James, Yonker, NY, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Little Jessie James, Yonker, NY, [193-]. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

Help Yourself, Springfield, MA, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Springfield, MA, [193-]. Technical High School Auditorium...United Commercial Travelers of America...Present the Federal Theatre in "Help Yourself" - A Rollicking Farce

Help Yourself, Seattle, WA, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Seattle, WA, 1937. Federal Theatre..."Help Yourself" A Comedy in 3 Acts By Paul Vulpius - Federal Theatre Players...'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Help Yourself, Seattle, WA, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Seattle, WA, 1937. Federal Theatre..."Help Yourself" A Comedy in 3 Acts By Paul Vulpius - Federal Theatre Players...'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Help Yourself, San Jose, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, San Jose, [193-]. Ride a Bus to the 2 Great Events at the San Jose Civic Auditorium...Montgomery Theatre - the Hilarious 3-Act Comedy Hit "Help Yourself"...See

Help Yourself, San Francisco, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, San Francisco, 1937. Columbia Theatre..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project - Div. of W.P.A.'

Help Yourself, San Francisco, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, San Francisco, 1937. Columbia Theatre..."Help Yourself" - Paul Vulpius Hilarious 3-Act Comedy... A Federal Theatre Road Attraction - W.P.A.'

Help Yourself, Salem, MA, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Salem, MA, 1937. Empire Theatre...Federal Theatre Presents for One Week Only - Help Yourself - A Rollicking Farce by Paul Vulpius - Staged by Arthur Ritchie...Works Progress

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. The Federal Theatre Presents A Hilarious Farce by Paul Vulpius - "Help Yourself"...'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Little Jessie James, Portchester, NY, [1930s]. Creator: Unknown
Little Jessie James, Portchester, NY, [1930s]. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Laguna Beach Hi-School Auditorium...Sponsored by Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project

Help Yourself, New York, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, New York, 1937. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. La Jolla Hi-School Auditorium...Sponsored by Associated Student Body..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre Project - Div

Help Yourself, Holyoke, MA, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Holyoke, MA, [193-]. Mt. Park Casino, Holyoke, Mass...The Federal Theatre presents "Help Yourself" - A Rollicking Farce by Paul Vulpius - Staged by Willard Dashiell - Music

What Would You Do, Holyoke, MASS, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
What Would You Do, Holyoke, MASS, [193-]. Mt. Park Casino...The Federal Theatre Presents - For the First Time on Any Stage - "What Would You Do" - The World Premiere of a Modern American

Horse Eats Hat, New York, 1936. Creator: Unknown
Horse Eats Hat, New York, 1936. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

Horse Eats Hat, New York, 1936. Creator: Unknown
Horse Eats Hat, New York, 1936. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers

Help Yourself, Des Moines, IA, 1937. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Des Moines, IA, 1937. The Federal Theatre Div. of W.P.A. Presents "Help Yourself" - President Theatre...'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. North Hollywood Hi-School Auditorium...Sponsored by North Hollywood Jr. Chamber of Commerce..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal Theatre

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Redondo Union Hi-School Auditorium...Sponsored by Redondo Union Hi School Parent-Teachers Association..."Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction - Federal

Help Yourself, Bakersfield, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, Bakersfield, [193-]. Union High School Auditorium...Sponsored by American Legion...Tickets at Kimball & Stone Drug Store - "Help Yourself" - A 3-Act Comedy - Road Attraction

What Would You Do, Holyoke, MASS, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
What Would You Do, Holyoke, MASS, [193-]. Mt. Park Casino...The Federal Theatre Presents - For the First Time on Any Stage - "What Would You Do" - The World Premiere of a Modern American

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. High School Auditorium Santa Maria - Paul Vulpius "Help Yourself" - A Comedy Hit in 3 Hilarious Acts - sponsored by Associated Students & Faculty - A Federal Theatre

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Two Big Events at the San Jose Civic Auditorium...Montgomery Theatre - "Help Yourself" by Paul Vulpius - a Fast-Moving Comedy in 3 Acts - A Federal Attraction - Div

Help Yourself, [193-]. Creator: Unknown
Help Yourself, [193-]. Two Big Events at the San Jose Civic Auditorium...Montgomery Theatre - "Help Yourself" - a Fast-Moving Comedy in 3 Acts by Paul Vulpius - A Federal Attraction - Div

Farce in the streets of Paris, between 1501 and 1600. Creator: Unknown
Farce in the streets of Paris, between 1501 and 1600

Scene from the new farce of "The Slow Man", at the Adelphi Theatre, 1854. Creator: T. H. Wilson
Scene from the new farce of "The Slow Man", at the Adelphi Theatre, 1854. London stage show....the extraordinary scene in Mr

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Comedy and Farce at the Theatre: A Journey Through Time In the days of Shakespeare, actors on stage brought to life tales filled with laughter and absurdity. The theatre was a place where farce reigned supreme, captivating audiences with its wit and humor. One such memorable production was "A Cuckoo in the Nest" in 1925, performed by Nerman. This uproarious play had theatergoers rolling in their seats as they witnessed hilarious misunderstandings and mistaken identities unfold before their eyes. Bonar Colleano and Diana Dors graced the stage in Maurice Elveys' "Is Your Honeymoon Really Necessary. " Their impeccable comedic timing left spectators doubled over with laughter, proving that farce still held its charm even in more modern times. At Wyndhams Theatre on Charing Cross Road in London, William Barribal's farcical masterpiece took center stage. Audiences were treated to an evening of side-splitting antics as characters found themselves entangled in outrageous situations that defied all logic. Ben Travers' "Rookery Nook" further showcased the brilliance of farce. With each twist and turn, this play pushed boundaries of absurdity while keeping viewers hooked until the very end. Other notable productions included "Be Careful Baby" by Salisbury Field and Margaret Mayo, "Half Past Eight" by P Rubens and C H Bovill, "Hanky Panky" by Hartley Carrick and Wortley David, as well as "The Girl in the Taxi" by F Fenn and A Wimperis. These plays continued to tickle funny bones across generations. Throughout history, comedy has always been intertwined with farce at the theatre, and is a genre that allows us to escape reality for a brief moment while reveling in exaggerated situations that bring joy to our hearts. So next time you find yourself craving laughter-filled entertainment, remember the timeless allure on stage.