Noises Off, written by Michael Frayn, is a play within a play. The "cast and crew" are putting together a silly sex comedy titled, "Nothing On" - a farce in which lovers frolic, doors slam, clothes are tossed away, and embarrassing hi-jinks ensue.
We first meet the characters during their final rehearsal, but Dottie keeps forgetting when to take her plate of sardines, Garry keeps challenging the stage directions, Selsdon is more interested in the whisky, and Brooke loses her contact lens.
The second act takes place entirely "backstage" revealing events which unfold during a “performance”. Watching from this perspective is hilarious, as the characters wilfully sabotage each other but somehow manage to get through the scene.
Finally, in Act 3, we see a performance three months later, and the cast are seriously burnt out. By now the audience knows what is supposed to happen, and so the anticipation of watching the struggling actors cope with catastrophe after catastrophe creates side splitting moments and a laugh a minute.
Directed by Anthony Whitehouse, Noises Off is an entertaining show with a lot of laughs - in fact it might very well be one of the funniest plays ever written.
Off Broadway Theatre is a small, intimate and friendly space with easy access from street level for people with mobility difficulties. Row A is at ground level and the seating is tiered from Row B upwards, giving everyone a good view of the stage. The licensed bar opens 30 mins prior to curtain up.
Wheelchair access - Seats A12 and A15 are wheelchair spaces whilst seats A13 & 14 are held in reserve for companions of wheelchair patrons. Please call iTICKET on 09 361 1000 to book.
