A JOKE

Dan Freeman's absurdist comic masterpiece

Three characters appear in a void with no memory of who they are. When they discover that one of them is English, one Irish, and one a Scot, they begin to suspect that life may be one big joke.

Award-winning writer/director Dan Freeman's dazzling hit comedy explores the meaning of existence; the tensions between optimism, realism and pessimism; and the anatomy and history of humour, all through an evening of electrifying theatre.

BRITISHTHEATREGUIDE

“Freeman has mastered the joke-drama ratio. We're caught from the outset. We are privy to the best of theatre... This is the Gold Standard. We are honoured and privileged... Chances are, it will be moving into the West End and, if we’re lucky, Broadway... This is a “don’t miss this” if there ever was one.”

​THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

"Perfect... a hoot."

​ACROSSTHEARTS  *****

“excellent... consistently funny... a treat from beginning to end.”

​SGFRINGE ***** 

"impeccable" 

​EDINBURGH REPORTER *****

"Who knew that three men, a massage table and a pair of spoons could cause such hilarity? Razor-sharp, rapid-fire one-liners, exquisite wordplay… a delight… I think this might be my favourite show this year at The Fringe. If it's not then it has certainly set the bar VERY high."

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS *****

"a comic masterclass... laugh out loud funny ... Freeman's layered and thoughtful script... A Joke will keep you laughing and set you thinking."  

BROADWAY WORLD *****

"a delight... excellent... "

​BROADWAY BABY ****

“irresistible... mastery ... razor-sharp dialogue and rapid-fire one-liners.”

​THE SKINNY ****

“Dan Freeman's text... delivering consistent eruptions from the audience... faultless... twisting and turning and revealing that the real enjoyment isn’t from the eventual gag, but from the journey.

FESTMAG

"delightfully absurdist… greatly enjoyable" 

 JANICE FORSYTH, BBC RADIO SCOTLAND

"a terrific play"

​FRINGEREVIEW 

“... a privilege to witness... masterful... The audience were transported... There are laughs and big laughs and moments of stillness and sadness... hilarity... a truly astounding show... Recommended.”

ALL EDINBURGH THEATRE.COM *****

"A beautifully presented piece of theatre... excellent... Freeman's direction is an object lesson in how to present a comedy... Whether you want a thought-provoking hour or some laughs, this is for you."  

INTERNATIONAL TIMES 

 "hilarious... this break-neck hour of exhilarating theatre."

Audience Reviews of A Joke

  • Shrewsbury

    Theatre Severn

    November 12th, 2024

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  • Stafford

    Gatehouse Theatre

    November 13th, 2024

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  • Bridgnorth

    Theatre on the Steps

    November 15th, 2024

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  • Leicester Comedy Festival

    Sue Townsend Theatre

    February 12th, 2025

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  • Melton Mowbray

    Melton Theatre

    February 13th, 2025

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  • Tring

    Dembe Theatre

    February 14th, 2025

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  • Chelmsford

    Chelmsford Theatre (Studio)

    February 15th, 2025

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  • Wimborne

    Minster Theatre

    March 8th, 2025

  • Sale

    Waterside Arts Centre

    April 11th, 2025

The first version of the play starring Sylvester McCoy, Richard Oliver and Robert Picardo from the Edinburgh Fringe