Strong, comedic male lead SHAKESPEARE monologues?

[aces25]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 12:24pm

Hi folks!
I need a male lead hero monologue from Shakespeare that is funny but also carries some range. No Romeo though, thanks!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 1:43pm

SO many. Try just googling on it:

http://www.monologuearchive.com/s/shakespeare_william.html

Shrew
Two Gentleman
Twelth Night
As You Like It.

[d811990]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 1:51pm

Bottoms final monologue in act 5 scene 1 of Midsummer.

overact it like hell.

[A Director]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 2:37pm

Bottom's monologue is at the end of Act 4 Scene 1.

"overact it like hell" is a terrible suggestion. Overacting won't get you a role.

[bobsyeruncle]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 2:45pm

Hi,
As a director, this one always makes me smile - Launce form Two Gents about his apathetic dog, Crab.
http://www.monologuearchive.com/s/shakespeare_021.html

break a leg!

[Weez]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 7:03pm

"Overact it like hell" is usually the worst suggestion you can give someone, but for Bottom, I think it's pretty apt.

But if you're looking for a comedy male monologue, DO NOT DO BOTTOM. He must be, like, the 'Memory' or the 'Popular' of Shakespeare male comedy monologues.

Something that might not be considered very often (although I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong): 'Henry V', act 5 scene 2. Henry is wooing Katherine, and the whole scene is pretty much "Shakespeare got bored writing a History and slipped into Comedy mode". Have a look at it, see what you think. (Start at "Marry, if you would put me to verses or to dance for your sake, Kate, why you undid me".) When it's done well, it can be bloody hilarious. ^_^ (I AM NOT OBSESSED WITH 'HENRY V', I AM NOT. HONEST!)

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/henryv/henryv.5.2.html

Updated On: 6/21/08 at 07:03 PM

[Patash]

Posted: 6/21/08 at 7:17pm

Depends on your own style and type, but I think it's hard to beat Malvolio reading and interpreting the letter in Twelfth Night.

Here's a list for you:


Shakespeare's Comedy Monologues