Every Man out of His Humour

Set in a bustling London home, the play opens with Sir Anthony Bliss, a wealthy but pompous gentleman, trying to arrange a marriage for his daughter while his household is filled with eccentric characters, each dominated by a single obsession—be it a feverish love of poetry, a relentless pursuit of profit, or an uncontrollable jealousy. The arrival of the clever servant Kitely and the self‑absorbed poet Lichtenberg sets off a chain of misunderstandings that expose the absurdities of their fixed ‘humours.’ Jonson’s keen eye for human folly turns everyday disputes into a lively parade of wit and wordplay.

Listeners will be drawn into the rhythmic verse and sharp repartee that make the comedy feel both timeless and immediate. The play’s structure, with its rapid exchanges and vivid character sketches, offers a perfect entry point to Jonson’s masterful blend of classical theory and popular theatre. With an engaging pace and a chorus of memorable voices, this early modern comedy invites you to laugh at the ways people cling to their quirks—often to their own detriment.