FUNNIE: THE MOST LAMENTABLE COMEDIE OF JANE THE FOOLE
By Jessica Moss
MAY 20-29, 2026 | THE COMEDY LOUNGE
Directed by Jz Marrero
All Jane wants is to perform comedy. But she is struggling even to get stage time in the court of King Henry VIII, in 1533. Despite the support of her friend Anne Boleyn, Jane can’t break into the boys club of Tudor nightly entertainment – King Henry would rather see acts like Carl the Funny One, who makes wry observations about contemporary life, but who also is known to publicly masturbate. But Carl the Funny One has a degree of power, and an interest in Jane: which he uses to put her in a humiliating and upsetting situation.
When the event goes public, the court is divided, and as Carl makes half-hearted non-apologies, Jane still can’t get onstage – until she and Anne have finally had enough. In a world where you are inherently seen as less-than, what kind of justice is possible? How can you ever be seen as funny when you’re not really seen as a person? Inspired by the very short Wikipedia entry about Jane Foole, or Jane The Foole, the only female court jester ever depicted, and current events.
Content Warning: This play contains frank discussion and depictions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, miscarriage, and reproductive trauma.
Tickets available soon!
Poster art by Tiffany Eller
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