Farce masterpiece is given the five-star treatment at Playhouse

There were farcical scenes at Nottingham Playhouse on press night- and didn't the packed audience just love it!
Patrick Osborne, Sophia Nomvete, John Elkington and Carla Mendonca in a scene from Noises Off.

Photo by Robert DayPatrick Osborne, Sophia Nomvete, John Elkington and Carla Mendonca in a scene from Noises Off.

Photo by Robert Day
Patrick Osborne, Sophia Nomvete, John Elkington and Carla Mendonca in a scene from Noises Off. Photo by Robert Day

Michael Frayn’s beloved 1982 comedy Noises Off - directed here by Blanche McIntyre - is being staged there and audiences are in for a rare old treat if they watch this three-act masterpiece.

Act one sees us witness the first half of a disastrous dress rehearsal for creaky old farce Nothing On, act two is that same half but seen from backstage, and act three is set weeks later on one of the final performances of the run, when disasters are befalling the show at regular intervals and inter-cast relationships are close to - or beyond in some cases - breaking point.

The second act in particular is pure theatrical joy, 35 minutes of almost silent comedy, balletic in its execution, the kind of experience that you just don’t want to end.

The nine-strong cast is flawless, the writing hasn’t aged - and you’ll never view a plate of sardines in the same way again.

Noises Off is at Nottingham Playhouse until April 30. Don’t miss out on seeing this riotous production.

Call the box office on 0115 949419.

Photo by Robert Day