Noises Off – York Theatre Royal

Writer: Michael Frayn

Director: Lindsay Posner

There are seven doors in the set of Noises Off, and as a classic farce, that tells you everything you need to know about what lies ahead. There is sure to be door slamming, there are sure to be dropped trousers, there are sure to be mistaken identities, and Lindsay Posner’s production doesn’t disappoint.

First performed in 1982, Noises Off by Michael Frayn is a romp through the chaotic world of theatre, a metafiction exploration of the behind-the-scenes chaos that plagues a touring production and their show, “Nothing On”.

This theatrical classic has delighted audiences for over four decades, and its longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal. Noises Off is a play within a play, with a three-act structure that takes us through three key points in the “Nothing On’ production journey. We get to enjoy the chaos both in front of and behind the scenes, while witnessing the hilarious demise of the show from its unsteady dress rehearsal to its dog’s-breakfast end of run performance.

This play demands a high level of technical execution, from perfectly timed door slams to the synchronised slapstick. Comedy thrives on precision, and in this play, timing is everything. Act Two showed this masterful choreography, with the actors navigating the dance of doors slams, missed cues and misunderstandings mostly conveyed through mime. It’s a true testament to the skill and energy of the performers and the genius of Frayn’s writing, as well as Posner’s masterful direction and Ruth Cooper-Brown’s movement direction. There were just a couple of minor moments of muddiness where the collective of competing actors’ routines, though technically brilliant, left us unclear where we should be focusing. Occasionally the slapstick comedy, like slipping on sardines, didn’t quite land, but these were minor hiccups, and they serve to remind us of the immense challenge that actors face in maintaining the delicate balance of timing in live theatre.

The heart of this show lies in its ability to keep the audience laughing, and this strong ensemble of actors achieved that. From the philandering director Lloyd (Simon Shepherd), the seductress, air-head Vicki (Lisa Ambalavanar) to Frederick, the hopeless actor who faints at the mere whiff of violence (Simon Coates), these exaggerated portrayals make Noises Off feel familiar and fun. Farce works because it offers a welcome escape from the complexities of our everyday life. The pace of the comedy means we don’t have time to think, and the absurdities mean we can’t help but laugh. Twee and silly is the whole point.

There were strong performances across the board, although Mark Middleton’s portrayal of the increasingly incensed Garry was a standout, with his physical theatre bringing some of the biggest laughs. Lucy Robinson’s portrayal of the consummate luvvie Belinda was magic, her attempts to salvage the rapidly deteriorating show in act three were comedy highlights.

If you appreciate the timeless charm of traditional farce and are in search of an enjoyable night out, this production of Noises Off can’t be missed.

Runs until 4th November 2023