I do love a show-within-a-show, especially when its madcap, farcical and funny – which is how I would describe Noises Off.
The story is as follows: a touring theatre company are putting on a show called ‘Nothing On’, Noises Off (the show you are watching) is then the play about the play they are trying to put on and all the drama, mishaps and miscellany that go into a production. Split into three acts, the first act is the show, the second act is the backstage/ behind the scenes view of the first act, and the third act is the calamitous finale at Stockton-on-Tees.
It is utter genius.
Having missed Noises Off when it was showing in London, I was delighted to be able to see it at Frinton Summer Theatre – and it doesn’t disappoint.
The trick (or rather magic) with any comedy, is timing. It may be zany, silly and slapstick, but if things don’t happen at the right time, then they’re not funny – they’re just plain weird. The direction by Bryan Hodgson is superb, but it likely helps to have such a stellar cast of actors who are clearly having the best fun in this production.
The audience is treated to a large cast of talent, but some stand out performers for me included, the following:
Lloyd (Pete Ashmore) the director in ‘Nothing On’ is a natural as a director. With his booming voice and luvvie ways he clearly knows how to get the best out of his talent. Although perhaps the copious backstage romances may be his downfall in the end!
Garry (Ricky Oakley) is a loveable flap of a character. I don’t know how else to describe him and really his character should be annoying as he has something of the estate agent vibe about him, but it just works.
Tim (Calum Isaacs) is a sweetheart I wanted to tuck into my pocket. To hear this was Isaacs’ stage debut was a surprise given how very confident he looked up on stage.
Noises Off is a fun performance. I laughed out loud several times and when I wasn’t laughing, I realised I was smiling. I loved the onstage, the backstage, the drama and the madness, it really is as Hodgson says, “a love letter to the theatre”.
In these days when the world seems to get uglier and uglier, Noises Off is a celebration of mirth and madcappery. It really is the antidote we need to the misery around us. Don’t miss this night out – it’s a great production and you know they always say laughter is the best medicine!
Reviewer: Samantha Collett
Reviewed: 13th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: