1. crucible: a severe, searching test or trial

2. droll: amusing in an odd way

3. eccentric:  irregular; erratic; peculiar; odd

4. farce: a light dramatic work in which highly improbable plot situations, exaggerated characters, and often slapstick elements are used for humorous effect

5. ludicrous: causing laughter because of absurdity; provoking or deserving derision; ridiculous; laughable