Lettice and Lovage - A Comedy

If you are a fan of the ever witty and clever British humor, then this is the perfect read for you. If you are considering a play for community theatre, look no further. ‟Lettice and Lovage‟ is a beautiful bit of work by author Peter Shaffer using only four characters,who may also play the few minor roles.The play centers around a somewhat eccentric middle-aged woman whose vivid imagination makes an otherwise mind numbing job as a tour guide in an old British 16th century Hall become a tour de force presentation. The longer she fulfills this job, the more extravagant the lifestyle details of the deceased owners of the old home become. Then you throw in a gloomy,regimented boss in need of some light-hearted moments in her dreary existence, include a mousy secretary, a confused lawyer, and the fun just escalates. All leading to a very unexpected conclusion!I highly recommend this play as a great escape, some good laughs, and an author taking a few tongue in cheek swipes at some very old British institutions. It's brilliant and marvelous!

Writing good comedy is difficult, and writing of this caliber is exceptionally rare. While many of the best dramas are punctuated with humor, this play is a fine example of a comedy punctuated with moments of arresting drama and poignant pathos. I was fortunate enough to see this performed on Broadway by the inimitable Maggie Smith, and I have to believe that Peter Shaffer wrote it with her in mind. Too bad there is no video record of this stage production. Some plays are slices of life; this one is a slice of cake! Bon apetit.

I have seen the play three times, first time in London starring Maggie Smith, next time in Oslo with Norwegian actors and third time in Fuengirola, Spain with excellent British actors. I thorougly enjoyed the play every time. As it does not seem possible to get a Dvd of Lettice and Lovage with Maggie Smith, I thought it would be nice to read the play. Found the book most amusing and have laughed a lot. Regards Julie Bugge, a Norwegian fan of the play.

A most enjoyable, short read.I particularly liked the sharp humor.Don't be put off by the fact that this is a play - I am sure you will enjoy it!

I love this story. I saw Broadway production many years ago

Saw the play and wanted to read it.

Love the concept of the play, a bored tour guide and can see why this would have run on Broadway for so long.

Very small type! Tough to read for more than 5 minutes. Order placed on 8/10. Book arrived on 9/3.

Good !!!! Thank’s

This is a wonderfully witty play that is mostly a two-hander - it's got other characters in it but it's mostly the story of the on-off friendship of the deliciously eccentric Lettice Douffet and the stern and introverted Lotte Schoen. First performed in 1987, this play seems often to be forgotten or overlooked but it's one of Peter Shaffer's best works in my opinion - I love it!It's very funny and well worth reading if you enjoy a good play, particularly a comedy that's at the farce end of the spectrum.

Should History be dull or enlivened? A good way to enter the debate is to read this play. History is not just about facts but about how the imagination plays with the gaps between the facts.

I am glad to have laid my hand on this much- sought- after book.....I like Peter Shaffer's wit...much like the beloved book "Amadeus"...I am still trying hard for the BBC CD of Amadeus...just pure listening with my eyes closed...if you could look around for Amadeus CD, I'd appreciate it very much. Regards. Joseph