Have you been an avid novel reader all your life but ready to switch genres? Or maybe you’ve been curious about plays but don’t know where to start? Picking up a play to read instead of a novel can open you up to a fresh literary world rooted in drama, dialogue, and imagination.
Whether you’re after heartfelt stories, razor-sharp wit, or profound truths, plays have it all. Their compact format makes them perfect for short bursts of reading or lazy evenings on the couch. Plus, you get to imagine the staging, costumes, and performances as you flip through the pages—how’s that for adding a little theatre into your life?
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 incredible plays that pack just as much storytelling punch as the best novels. Prepare to be entertained, moved, and delightfully surprised!
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Why Read Plays Instead of Novels?
First, you should know what you’re getting into. Plays are a very different experience from novels, but that’s the beauty of them. Here’s why you might want to try them:
- Brevity: Plays get to the point fast. They waste no words, presenting you with sharp, distilled storytelling.
- Dialogue-Driven Stories: It’s all about what people say and do, rather than lengthy descriptions—ideal if you’re a fan of fast-paced prose.
- Imagination Power-Up: Reading a play involves visualising the staging and performances in your mind, which is often more fun than you’d think.
- A Fresh Perspective: Plays often tackle profound themes through unique lenses, exploring topics that novels may dance around.
Now that you’re convinced, here are some exceptional plays to get you started.
1. “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams
If you love emotional highs and lows in novels, Tennessee Williams is your man. Set in New Orleans, A Streetcar Named Desire follows the life of Blanche DuBois as her fragile world begins to unravel. The layered characters and conflict-packed dialogue make this a heart-wrenching masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love It: Intense drama mixed with beautiful, evocative writing. Plus, the Southern charm of New Orleans practically leaps off the page.
2. “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a riveting mix of historical drama and human emotion. Set during the Salem witch trials, this play is a searing commentary on mass hysteria and the dangers of groupthink.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re a fan of suspenseful novels with deep societal critiques, this one’s for you.
3. “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare
Prefer something lighthearted and playful? Twelfth Night offers romance, mistaken identities, and witty banter—all with Shakespearean charm. It’s one of his most accessible comedies, perfect if you’re dipping your toes into classic plays.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a feel-good read with brilliantly crafted humour, and the language is timelessly beautiful.
4. “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller
Want a character study that feels novel-like? Death of a Salesman explores the pressures of chasing the American Dream. The story of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman, is both moving and haunting.
Why You’ll Love It: Poignant themes and sharp realism make this a classic that resonates deeply.
5. “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen
Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House was revolutionary when it was first written, tackling gender roles and individual freedom. Centred on Nora Helmer and her life-changing decision, it remains one of the most gripping plays on personal liberation.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s thought-provoking, empowering, and offers a strong female perspective.
6. “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett
For when you want something truly different, try Waiting for Godot. It’s absurd, funny, and deeply existential all at once. The play revolves around two characters waiting for someone named Godot—except Godot never arrives.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s philosophy disguised as theatre. Read it if you enjoy works that leave you thinking for days.
7. “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” by Tom Stoppard
This witty and clever play zooms in on two minor characters from Hamlet, who take centre stage in their own hilarious and existential drama. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead combines humour and poignancy and is popular in theatre.
Why You’ll Love It: If you like novels that play with perspective and storytelling conventions, this one’s a delight.
8. “Topdog/Underdog” by Suzan-Lori Parks
For something raw and contemporary, Topdog/Underdog follows two African-American brothers navigating their complicated relationship. Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize winner challenges sibling dynamics and survival with unparalleled poignancy.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s brutally honest and achingly human.
9. “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde
Nothing beats Oscar Wilde when it comes to wit. The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedic romp through mistaken identities, romance, and society’s eccentricities.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s sharp, ridiculously funny, and insanely quotable. A perfect pick-me-up play!
10. “Fences” by August Wilson
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful exploration of race, family, and the human condition. Set in the 1950s, it centres on Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage collector, grappling with his past and present.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s intimate, poetic, and emotionally resonant—a play as layered as any great novel.
How to Read a Play Like a Pro
Reading plays isn’t like reading novels. They’re meant to be seen and heard, so tap into that theatrical mindset:
- Read Aloud: Plays are better when read in voices—yours or with a friend. It brings the dialogue to life.
- Imagine the Stage: Picture how the scenes unfold on stage. If you’re artistic, sketch it out!
- Check Out Performances: Many of these plays have film adaptations or recorded versions. Watch them after reading; it’s a fascinating experience to see how directors bring a script to life.
- Find the Tasting Notes: Not literally, of course! Many scripts have prefaces or notes that offer great insights into the play’s themes and intentions.
Bring a Little Drama to Your Bookshelf
Switching from novels to plays might just rekindle your love of reading, offering new ways to appreciate storytelling. Plus, it’s always fun to imagine how you’d direct the production yourself! From the intense emotions of A Streetcar Named Desire to the laugh-out-loud chaos of The Importance of Being Earnest, these plays are sure to keep you turning the pages.
Now, over to you. Which play will you read first? And if we’ve missed any must-reads, tell us in the comments!
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I’ve always liked a bit of William Shakespeare. I’ve not read Twelfth Night but I enjoyed Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.