I did this recently in the voice of a Dickens character (our brief was to write a monologue in the voice of a character we liked). Because of the distinctive style of Dickens it worked well, and was easier than writing in the style of a less 'ordinary' one.
I would choose an idiosyncratic author with an easily recognisable style, particularly if it doesn't matter if you slip into parody.
What made you fall in love with comedy?
