Noises off UK Tour
"Noises Off"
(Review Complete)
UK Tour
SYNOPIS
The story revolves around a theatre company performing a fictional farce “Nothing On”. We see how their off-stage relationships create hilarious havoc both at rehearsal and backstage during performance.REVIEW
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the touring production of Michael Frayn’s sublime comedy, Noises Off at Milton Keynes Theatre. This is surely one of the most complicated plays to both direct and perform. It is also one of the funniest, to which the audience at Milton Keynes can definitely testify!In act 1 we see the company of the fictional “Nothing On” struggling to get their final rehearsal right before opening night. Then in act 2 we see the company performing the play while having huge relationship arguments backstage and act 3 takes place during the final performance at the end of the tour where the whole thing finally falls apart - literally!
Dotty Otley, the fading star who has trouble remembering her dialogue and moves, was played brilliantly by Liza Goddard, and Matthew Kelly played Selsden Mowbray. What a wonderful performance this was! Selsden is the old actor playing the small part of the burglar who cannot be trusted anywhere near alcohol.
Matthew was superb as he staggered around the stage getting all his cues wrong and finally being the last actor standing! Simon Shepherd was off so the part of the Director, Lloyd Dallas was played by Mark Middleton.
That must be a really difficult understudy job! To be able to fit seamlessly into such a fast paced production is asking quite a lot but Mark rose to the challenge with great style. I also loved Dan Fredenburgh.
His portrayal of leading man, Garry Lejeune getting gradually more desperate throughout the play, was hilarious.
This was an excellent piece of ensemble acting throughout and if you feel like a five star evening full of laughter, then you can’t do better that get yourself down to Milton Keynes Theatre this week! You won’t regret it!
Reviewer: Julia Rufey