Noises Off – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Writer: Michael Frayn

Director: Lindsay Posner

Michael Frayn’s Noises Off could quite possibly be described as the greatest theatrical farce of ours, or any time. With beautifully written dialogue and well-placed idiocies it really is a work of comic gold. After being treated to the masterclass that was the 2011 Old Vic revival (the best version of this play one has ever seen), this critic was already braced to find fault in the latest offering of Frayn’s brilliant play.

The current production brought to us by the Theatre Royal Bath (in collaboration with Birmingham Rep) certainly has pace and is as devilishly foolish as ever but, at times, one found it (perhaps) a little too twee.

Matthew Kelly shines as the dastardly drunk Selsdon and Lucy Robinson’s Belinda is also perfectly pitched but, as farces go, one yearned for a more-is-more approach from the players. Noises Off is intentionally hammy and, at times, it doesn’t quite seem to peak. That said, there are slapstick moments galore and Lindsay Posner directs with a deep understanding of the play’s humour. It is, after all purposefully silly.

Set in a provincial British town, a touring troupe of actors are trying to stage a play about sex and lives, appropriately called ‘Nothing On’ – they’re met with calamity when the cast forget their lines and their direction, misplace their props whilst completely losing sight of why they are there in the first place!

Staged tonight in the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield as part of its current UK tour, this exciting new cast bring Frayn’s story about a play-within-a-play to life in what can only be described as a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre. Ruth Cooper-Brown as movement director also deserves a mention for her manic approach to the genre.

Think The Play That Goes Wrong meets Acorn Antiques. Quintessentially British and brimming with charm, this often exquisite production has all the mad-cap elements of a brilliant farce-within-a-farce and it didn’t seem over-egged. Palatable and rib-ticklingly funny this play is sure to stand the test of time. Now, some 40 years on it is still a riot, still a romp, still a hoot! Catch it if you can.

Runs until 2nd December 2023.