DramaNorth WestReview

Noises Off – The Lowry, Salford

Reviewer: Seb Farrell

Writer: Michael Fryan

Director: Lindsay Posner

A Mixed Bag of Drollery and Door Slams at The Lowry in Salford. The revival of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off at The Lowry presents itself as a peculiar conundrum – it’s a play that teeters on the precipice of brilliance but doesn’t quite make the leap. This classic British farce, fresh from a sell-out West End run, promises uproarious entertainment, but it delivers a mixed bag of humour.

The play within a play concept, where the audience follows the chaotic on and off-stage antics of a touring theatre company, should be a recipe for laughter. However, the execution falls somewhat short of expectations. The humour, while present, often feels forced, and the frantic pacing, executed brilliantly in Act 2, sometimes results in missed comedic opportunities. The play within a play inside the program is a delightful touch.

The stage is a visual feast, providing a fantastic backdrop that seamlessly transitions between the backstage and onstage chaos. The attention to detail in recreating a theatrical setting is nothing short of commendable, enhancing the overall experience. However, not all aspects of the staging hit the mark. One glaring issue is the extensive gap between acts two and three. This prolonged intermission disrupts the flow of the play and leaves the audience feeling somewhat disconnected from the unfolding farce. Particularly as a relatively long speech is delivered in front of the tabs after the break, tighter pacing here could significantly improve the overall experience.

The cast, featuring esteemed actors like Liza Goddard, Matthew Kelly, and Simon Shepherd, should ideally elevate the production. Yet, the chemistry between them feels somewhat lacking and confusing. While each actor has their moments, the ensemble performance gives all that’s needed for farcical perfection; some scenes flow like a choreographed dance, which is excellent. Goddard’s portrayal, while engaging, doesn’t consistently hit the comedic mark. Kelly, a seasoned performer, delivers some of the show’s standout moments. Shepherd, though charming, can’t single-handedly save the moments that fall flat.

Dan Fredenburgh and Simon Coates deliver steady performances, providing moments of humour throughout. Nikhita Lesner and Daniel Rainford, however, occasionally veer into hammy and frail territory, which might not resonate with all audience members.

But there are indeed bright spots in the cast, notably Lucy Robinson, whose portrayal adds a layer of authenticity to the production. Lisa Ambalavanar, in particular, shines with her excellent performance, standing out amidst the chaos. Her comedic timing, stage presence, and delivery bring a welcome depth to the play.

Another bright spot is the direction by Lindsay Posner, which maintains the play’s breakneck speed admirably. The precision with which the complex farcical elements are handled is commendable, but it can’t fully compensate for the script’s uneven humor.

In summary, Noises Off is a theatrical door-slamming experience that elicits laughter in spurts but fails to sustain a continuous stream of hilarity. While it’s far from a theatrical disaster, it also doesn’t reach the heights of farcical excellence it aspires to achieve. If you’re a fan of classic British comedy and skilled actors, it’s worth a visit, but be prepared for a somewhat uneven night of entertainment. With a few tweaks, this production could potentially achieve the comedic greatness it aims for.

Runs until 22 October 2023

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The Reviews Hub - North West

The North West team is under the editorship of John McRoberts. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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