4 November 2023 I 14:30 I York Theatre Royal
⭐⭐⭐
Ahead of watching Michael Frayn's Noises Off, I have always been astonished by the play's legacy, often hailed as one of the comedic greats in playwriting. Upon watching at York Theatre Royal, Frayn's script certainly tickles my funny bones, although a constant comedic high leaves me feeling somewhat overwhelmed. I have never seen anything quite like it, and a three act structure, featuring two intervals, is certainly a welcome surprise. While at times I struggle with the hysteria, I can't help but be impressed with the stagecraft, and how the actors keep up the pace. I find it unfathomable how anyone could perform this twice a day, so a huge respect for that!
Noises Off is often described as a 'farce within a farce', following an amateur theatre group presenting their performance of Nothing On. Act 1 sees the dress rehearsal, where perhaps almost anything that could go wrong does. And through this, you notice the stereotypical tropes of actors (the one who is always late, the over-enthusiastic, the mortified director etc.), you get to label yourself if you're into acting! Onto Act 2, we see the premiere of Nothing On, rather this time behind the scenes, stepping away from the 'performance' to see the lives of the actors, and all the quabbles that threaten to destroy the play. And to round the show off, Act 3 sees the tour on it's last leg(s). Everything is falling apart, solidified as the strongest portion of the show to bounce off the previous 2 acts in a wacky culmination of the best bits.
It isn't really a comedy that builds. From beginning lines, the tone is unserious and playful in nature. I understand the concept behind a farce's chaos, although levels of muted tones could benefit the flow, removing an exhaustion. For example, a life changing statement is exclaimed at the end of Act 2, to build interpersonal relationships and change the course of their lives. However once the curtain rises again, it is seemingly forgotten, which is a tad disappointing through lack of cohesion.
The audience are lucky to be joined by big-shot director Lloyd Dallas (Simon Shepherd), as he gives his notes beside us. This is a lovely way to break that initial fourth wall, and it engrosses us into this live rehearsal process. Shepherd delivers the role with an excruciating exhaustion, playing with a more lax comedic style, which is certainly enjoyable. Starring as the audacious pair, Lisa Ambalavanar and Mark Middleton (Brooke and Garry respectively) shine through their commitment to Nothing On. Feigned improvisation is at the heart of this show, and these two have a wonderful way of enhancing the disruption. I adore Ambalavanar's expression, and you know that no matter how rocky it gets, she WILL deliver each and every one of her lines in the corniest way possible!
Lucy Robinson as Belinda is really heart-warming, almost the mother of the group, an endearing quality to save the show from plummeting into the ground. Robinson has terrific brief moments onstage to herself, and she really exudes character through her body language, by far my favourite of the cast! Even as you have Selsdon (Matthew Kelly) sneaking off for a swig of alcohol at any given moment, every one of the actors are riotously good fun.
Noises Off requires a great amount of physical comedy, led with phenomenal movement work by Ruth Cooper-Brown, ensuring the elements of slapstick can appear risky and also somewhat realistic. This works particularly well in conjunction with Simon Higlett's design, from doors flying open to an impressive array of props, ending up who-knows-where! Regardless of the pacing of the script and stage action, I guarantee not one person could watch this performance and not be impressed by the dedication and hard work put in for every TINY detail to look so perfectly frenzied! Pandemonium is a delicate thing to get perfect, and unfortunately it just feels like a workout for the eyes, where I want to focus on so many different things at once, and as a result often miss things that other audience members are laughing it.
People that know me will know I'm a big programme collector, and there is so much to love inside this one! This contains a 'fake' version of the programme, including a fictional cast list and run down for Nothing On, little touches like this really enhance the experience as an audience member. And of course, it is an absolute delight to have returned to York Theatre Royal, a gorgeously designed space and an incredibly friendly line up of staff!
Directed by Lindsay Posner, Noises Off may not have had me laughing out loud in hysterics, and sensorially felt excessive. But as a piece of theatre, it is extremely admirable. Would I go back and watch it again in the future? I think I probably would, especially with a script that has been raved about for over 40 years. Each production and performer will no doubt bring something different to the show. Especially for lovers of sitcoms, this Theatre Royal Bath x Birmingham Rep production may be the show for you!
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