Noises Off

Play

Writers: Michael Frayn

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1982
Genres
Comedy, Farce
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
england, a provincial theatre, onstage, backstage
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes mature adult, adult, young adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

Michael Frayn's Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening performance, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. Frayne gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind the scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and -- of course -- flying sardines!

Lead Characters


Noises Off guide sections