Red Noses

by Peter Barnes

While the Black Death fills fourteenth-century Europe with fear, Father Flote leads a traveling band of comedians in hopes of offering redemption through laughter

Genres: Plays, Fiction, Drama

109 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. This entry is for the English playwright and screenwriter.

Reviews

[Ross Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a cross between the Pythos's Life of Brian and Holy Grail, Barnes's satire on religion and the dark ages has plenty of bite, and he's not afraid to be direct in his critiques. When the Black Death kills a third of Europe, Father Flote puts away traditional ministry to create a band of holy fools who attempt to bring joy to the dying. Other characters from there period (flagellant monks, grave robbers, goldsmiths, and other assorted dimwits) try to impede their work, but even the pipe supports them, at least until the plague is over.

Hilarious, but requires a huge cast, and the text would benefit from a little trimming.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Noses is a beautiful play for those, who like me do not share a great passion for scripts as opposed to descriptive narratives. Red Noses features a mixture of emotion, death and friendship, wrapped up and delivered in a combination of characters whom most wouldn't dream of putting together. I'd thoroughly recommend this text although it takes a little bit of going to get over the initial 'Shakespearean' language barrier if you will.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this script and playwright. I have directed and acted this show (different productions) and directed several of his one-acts. Barnes is the real deal and this story about standing up for what you believe in is a gem. I'd give it more stars if I could.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

would've been way more enjoyable without the rape trivialization, thanks

[Omima Khaled · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really hated this play.