The Greatest British "Plays" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Plays

Plays are a category of literature that consists of written works intended for performance on stage. They typically feature dialogue between characters and are structured into acts and scenes. Plays can be comedic, tragic, or a combination of both, and often explore themes such as love, power, and morality. They are meant to be performed by actors in front of an audience, and can be enjoyed both as written works and as live performances.

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  1. 101. Amadeus by Peter Shaffer

    The play explores the tumultuous life of a young musical genius, as seen through the envious eyes of his less-talented contemporary. Set in the opulent world of 18th-century Vienna, the story delves into the bitter rivalry between the established court composer and the prodigious newcomer who threatens to overshadow him. As the older composer recounts his efforts to undermine the young virtuoso's career, a complex narrative of obsession, intrigue, and madness unfolds, culminating in a haunting examination of the price of genius and the destructive nature of jealousy.

    The 10466th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 102. Stuff Happens by David Hare

    "Stuff Happens" is a compelling work of documentary theater that offers a dramatized account of the events leading up to the Iraq War, focusing on the political maneuvers and discussions among high-ranking officials in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through a series of incisive scenes and sharp dialogue, the play explores the complex motivations, negotiations, and decisions that shaped the path to conflict, shedding light on the roles of key figures such as the US President, the British Prime Minister, and their respective cabinets. The narrative critically examines the justifications for war and the influence of power and ideology on international relations, inviting audiences to reflect on the nature of modern governance and the consequences of political actions.

    The 10579th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 103. Edward Ii by Christopher Marlowe

    The play is a historical tragedy that revolves around the reign of a flawed monarch whose personal weaknesses lead to his downfall. It explores the king's intense and controversial relationship with his favorite, Gaveston, which incurs the wrath of the nobility, his wife, and ultimately contributes to his loss of power. Themes of political ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for authority are central as the king's inability to manage his affections and the demands of his throne result in civil strife and his eventual violent demise. The play is a study of a ruler undone by personal failings and the ruthless machinations of those around him, set against the backdrop of the political complexities of medieval England.

    The 10967th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 104. Coriolanus by William Shakespeare

    The play is a tragic drama set in ancient Rome that follows the life of the titular military leader, known for his valor and exceptional combat skills. However, his inability to navigate the complex web of Roman politics and his contempt for the common people lead to his downfall. After being banished from Rome due to his arrogance and the machinations of political adversaries, he seeks revenge by allying himself with a former enemy. His tragic flaw, excessive pride, and the manipulation by those around him ultimately result in a climactic and fatal confrontation that seals his fate.

    The 10971st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 105. A Mad World, My Masters by Thomas Middleton

    This satirical comedy from the early 17th century presents a tapestry of London life through a series of interwoven plots featuring a diverse cast of characters, including a con artist, a lustful knight, and a cunning courtesan. The play delves into themes of deception, social corruption, and the pursuit of pleasure, revealing the vices and follies of the city's inhabitants. With a sharp wit and an unflinching eye for the absurdities of human behavior, the narrative unfolds in a series of comedic escapades, ultimately offering a biting critique of a world gone mad with greed and hedonism.

    The 10968th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 106. Waste by Harley Granville Barker

    "Waste" is a poignant play that delves into the complexities of politics, personal ambition, and morality. It centers on a visionary politician who, despite his potential to effect significant change, finds his career threatened by the scandalous collapse of his private affair with a married woman. As he navigates the treacherous waters of political machinations and societal expectations, the protagonist is confronted with the stark consequences of his actions, leading to a tragic denouement. The play critically examines the waste of human potential and the ruthless nature of public life, showcasing the delicate balance between personal integrity and the demands of a public career.

    The 10982nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 107. Design For Living by Noel Coward

    "Design for Living" is a play that delves into the complexities of love and relationships through the lives of three central characters: an interior decorator, a playwright, and an artist. The trio engages in a ménage à trois, challenging conventional social norms and the traditional boundaries of romantic attachment. As they navigate through their intertwined lives, they explore the themes of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of artistic and personal fulfillment. The narrative unfolds with wit, sharp dialogue, and a satirical examination of the moral dilemmas faced by individuals who dare to live by their own rules, ultimately questioning the true meaning of love and the sacrifices it may entail.

    The 10989th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 108. The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan

    The play unfolds as a post-World War II drama centering on the life of Hester Collyer, a woman caught in a tumultuous affair with an ex-RAF pilot named Freddie Page. Hester's emotional turmoil and search for meaning lead her to attempt suicide after Freddie leaves her. As the narrative progresses, the complexities of Hester's relationships with her estranged husband, a compassionate doctor, and her lover are explored, revealing themes of love, loneliness, and the struggle to find personal fulfillment against the constraints of 1950s British society. Through intimate conversations and reflective moments, the characters grapple with their choices and the consequences of their desires, painting a poignant picture of human vulnerability and the need for connection.

    The 10997th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 109. Bingo by Edward Bond

    "Bingo" is a play that delves into the complex and tumultuous final days of a renowned English playwright during the 16th century. As he grapples with his waning creativity, the protagonist is also confronted with the harsh realities of enclosures and the suffering of the common people. The narrative weaves through themes of power, greed, and social injustice, juxtaposing the personal turmoil of the writer with the broader socio-political conflicts of the era. The play presents a stark and introspective examination of the human condition and the moral compromises that often accompany the pursuit of wealth and status.

    The 11006th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 110. The Entertainer by John Osborne

    The play delves into the life and struggles of a third-rate vaudeville performer, Archie Rice, who is facing a personal and professional crisis. As he grapples with a failing career on the stage and mounting debts, his family life is also in turmoil. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment and the decline of the British Empire through the lens of Archie's interactions with his family, including his elderly father, who was once a successful performer, his long-suffering wife, and his politically active daughter. The play presents a poignant commentary on the changing face of entertainment and the generational tensions in post-war Britain.

    The 11000th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 111. Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance by John Arden

    The play is a compelling exploration of the futility of war and the impact it has on soldiers and civilians alike. Set in a small English mining town during the 19th century, the story follows four soldiers, led by the eponymous character, who desert their colonial war to bring a message of peace to the town's people. However, their mission becomes complicated as the town's economic reliance on the war and the soldiers' own traumas intertwine, leading to a tense standoff. Through a blend of realism and symbolism, the narrative examines themes of violence, authority, and the cyclical nature of conflict, ultimately questioning the morality of militarism and the cost of dissent.

    The 11002nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 112. Chips With Everything by Arnold Wesker

    This play scrutinizes the class system and power structures within the Royal Air Force of the 1950s, focusing on a group of conscripts undergoing basic training. It highlights the tensions and camaraderie among the young men, many of whom are from different social backgrounds, and their interactions with the officers who enforce the rigid military hierarchy. The protagonist, a well-educated individual, challenges the status quo, questioning the purpose and value of the established order. The narrative explores themes of individuality, conformity, and the struggle against institutional authority, ultimately questioning the role of the individual within the collective society.

    The 11003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 113. Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer

    The play is a farcical piece that turns the traditional stage convention on its head by having the set plunged into darkness for the audience while the characters pretend to be in a blackout. The chaos unfolds in real-time as a struggling sculptor attempts to impress his fiancée's pompous father and a millionaire art collector. However, when a power cut strikes, the sculptor's flat becomes a hotbed of mishaps and mistaken identities as neighbors, lovers, and the in-laws all stumble around, leading to a series of comic misunderstandings and slapstick humor, all under the cloak of darkness that only the audience can see through.

    The 11004th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 114. Absurd Person Singular by Alan Ayckbourn

    This play is a dark comedy that unfolds over three successive Christmas Eves, focusing on three couples of varying social statuses linked by business and personal relationships. The narrative explores themes of social climbing, marital discord, and the often absurd nature of human behavior, as the characters' fortunes rise and fall. Each act takes place in a different couple's kitchen, serving as a backdrop to the shifting dynamics and power structures within the group. The humor is both situational and poignant, revealing the characters' desperate attempts to maintain appearances and control in the face of life's unpredictability and their own personal failures.

    The 11005th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 115. The Mysteries by Tony Harrison

    "The Mysteries" is a collection of poetic plays that adapt the medieval mystery plays of England into contemporary language, giving new life to the biblical stories ranging from the Creation to the Last Judgment. Through the use of vigorous, modern verse, the plays explore the intersection of faith, culture, and everyday life, capturing the essence of these ancient tales while making them accessible and resonant for a modern audience. The work maintains the communal spirit of the original cycle plays, reflecting on universal human experiences and moral dilemmas, and inviting reflection on the role of the divine in the mundane.

    The 11028th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 116. Racing Demon by David Hare

    "Racing Demon" is a compelling exploration of the personal and professional crises faced by a group of clergymen in the Church of England. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the play delves into the lives of four vicars as they grapple with their faith and the relevance of the church in contemporary London. Confronting issues such as homosexuality, the ordination of women, and the clash between progressive and traditionalist views, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of moral dilemmas, ecclesiastical politics, and the struggle to maintain personal integrity amidst institutional decay. Through sharp dialogue and nuanced character development, the play presents a thought-provoking examination of spirituality and the human condition in the modern world.

    The 11051st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 117. King Charles Iii by Mike Bartlett

    The play is a speculative work set in the near future, exploring the reign of Charles after he ascends to the British throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It delves into the political and personal turmoil that ensues as Charles grapples with the weight of the crown and the responsibilities that come with it. The narrative follows his struggle with his own principles versus the demands of the modern British monarchy, the conflicts within his family, and the broader implications of his actions on the nation's constitutional fabric. Written in Shakespearean blank verse, the play examines themes of power, tradition, and the evolving nature of the monarchy in contemporary society.

    The 11103rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download