DEAD FUNNY

by Terry Johnson

One night only. Wimbledon Theatre. Sunday night. Norman Wisdom. Norman Wisdom The death of Benny Hill prompts this comedy about impotence, sex therapy and the English sense of humour. Eleanor wants what Richard won't give her. Richard wants to be left in peace. Benny would rather rest in peace, but for tonight, at least, his fans won't let him. Dead Funny premiered at the Hampstead Theatre London in January 1994.

Genres: Plays, Drama

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1994

About the author

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Reviews

[Hiromi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong characters.
Eleanor wants a child but Richard doesn't want to have sex and they go through sex therapy. Their friends, the couple Lisa and Nick, and Brian gather at Richard's place to commemorate Benny Hill, a comedian that led their "Dead Funny" association. In the gathering, Lisa and Richard has an affair, Nick reveals to Richard that his kid is most likely not his, and Brian confesses that he is gay. Towards the end, Eleanor finds out about Richard and Lisa and decide to leave Richard, although she desperately want to stay with him and have a child.

[Bobby Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out pretty rough (a play about Benny Hill fans? Really?) But it definitely got better in Act 2. By the end, it was downright sweet.

[Trent · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started off ok, then lost me at the Benny Hill party. Gave up during the scene with the Japanese stereotype talk.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently saw a production of this play at Third Rail Repertory Theater here in Portland and thought it was brilliant. I always have a hard time rating a play until I see it performed because I feel like so much is lost without its intended medium, but on the other hand, I love performance so much that I wonder if my ratings of the plays I do see are slightly exaggerated. The play itself was bitter and hilarious, and contained the most alarmingly serious food fight I've ever witnessed. A good one for anyone who likes their slapstick to be a two-by-four with a rusty nail in the end of it.