Noises Off
Pitlochry Festival Theatre - 25/06/22
Having enjoyed a terrific show in the afternoon and a good meal in the pretty town of Pitlochry, I wondered if I would survive the evening show. I am not a fan of Michael Frayn’s work, and I remember departing in the interval from his play ‘Clouds’ in 1977. But this was different proposition. First staged at the Lyric Hammersmith in 1982, this is a farce within a farce. It is a send-up of the touring tradition of yesteryear, of a third-rate theatre company rehearsing a predictable comedy called ‘Nothing On’.
The definition being (c. 1870s) “Farce is a comedy that seeks to entertain the audience through situations that are highly exaggerated, extravagant, ridiculous, absurd, and improbable”.
This is a complex, witty and hilarious piece of writing demanding split-second timing from the nine strong ensemble. Farce is technically difficult and challenging to perform and Frayn demonstrates his admiration of this much undervalued form. It takes an enormous amount of energy and good timing to pull it off. Frayn splits the play into three parts. The rehearsal, the backstage version, and the final show. He based it on the premise that it is much funnier watching the actors rush between backstage doors, mishandling props and their relationships, the romance and jealousies of the cast.
This revival forty years on is a testament to an excellent ensemble working together and they certainly pull it off. It falls on some cast members who were in the afternoon production of ‘Sunshine on Leith’ to take a dressing room break and play a different character in this fast-moving show. No “West End Wendys” here but proper professionalism. Again it is churlish to pick out individuals here as they all brought the house down variously, but Connor Going’s fall down the flight of curved stairs was spectacular. This is a long play and requires reserves of energy which they all had. No one flagged. The technical team rose to the challenge of creating both front set and backstage with two levels and numerous doors of course. Director Ben Occhipinti certainly made his cast work hard and brought out the comedy with this fast-paced and excellent revival. I am sure they all dispersed to the bar and staggered home to a well-earned rest. Although some were appearing in the ‘Greatest Musicals’ the following day. Take heed ‘Pop Divas’! This is true showbusiness.
As Michael Frayn wrote in the programme notes, “I hope it helps to spread a little cheerfulness around”. As we drove home heading north in the summer light it certainly did that. Well done Pitlochry! The season is looking good.
This production runs in repertory until 1st October. See theatre website for details of performances.
