Noises Off – Milton Keynes Theatre

Writer: Michael Frayn

Director: Lindsay Posner

Noises Off is one of the greatest comic plays of all time. Written just over forty years ago, it is a dazzling play within a play that seamlessly blends farce, physical comedy and memorable characters. It is a script that should have audiences in fits of irrepressible laughter for two hours. Why then does this new production feel so flat and forced?

Michael Frayn’s script does reflect attitudes and behaviours that were accepted in the late 1970s and early 1980s but it still holds up as a masterclass of writing comedy for the stage even if some of the humour is not to modern tastes. So the fault for the relative failure of this revival must lie elsewhere.

Visually the production ticks all the right boxes. Simon Higlett’s set has the faded charm of a second-rate farce visiting second-tier venues which is exactly what the script requires. All the necessary doors, windows, props and furniture pieces play their part perfectly.

Where Lindsay Posner’s production does seem to struggle is in the handling of the characterisation and physical humour. The cast does work incredibly hard to bring the play to life but, on the whole, there is too much effort on display. What should feel natural (if somewhat heightened and exaggerated) ends up feeling forced and laboured. Farce is a delicate genre and the too-obvious effort on the part of the cast places barriers between them and the audience which leads, in turn, to a muted reaction. Indeed, it is only in the third act where laughs really start to land and that is sadly too late.

Credit must be given to Lucy Robinson who steals the show with her well-judged performance as Belinda. She does capture the necessary balance between desperation and physical exuberance that is lacking elsewhere. Mark Middleton, stepping in to cover as Lloyd, the director of the play within a play, does sterling work and shows how valuable understudies are to theatre.

There is no denying that Noises Offis still a classic comedy and one that deserves regular revivals. It is a love letter to theatre that still has the power to make audiences collapse in fits of laughter. It clearly also inspired Mischief Theatre to create The Play That Goes Wrongand their other works in a similar vein. Indeed many audience members were making comparisons as they left the auditorium.

There is clearly still an appetite for theatrical farce. This, unfortunately, is a lacklustre and muted production that struggles to find its comedic feet. A missed opportunity.

Runs until 25 November 2023 and on tour