Noises Off (Royal Court, Liverpool)

Noises Off depicts an entertaining and all too accurate look into life at the theatre, from front of house mishaps to backstage, both just as farcical as the other.

With fast paced cheeky language, the show portrays a group of actors, a director, a carpenter/understudy and a stressed stage manager try desperately to get through a technical rehearsal and subsequent tour of the flop ‘Nothing On.’ without collapsing.

Michael Frayn’s play shows both sides of the theatre, the first act depicting the late night technical rehearsal, and a carpenter who has not slept for 48 hours, while the second act literally turns the whole play around to show backstage, which includes a very impressive scenery change at the end of Act 2. Act 3 then returns to the front of the stage and 'Nothing On' quickly descends into madness.

The cast of nine show off their many talents, with several playing multiple roles; playing both the actor and the character with infectious enthusiasm and fun. Standing out, however, are Jennifer Bea as Poppy the long suffering stage manager who is endlessly repairing props and close to a breakdown, and Jonathan Markwood as the Director who refers to himself as God and dates the lead actress. Former Coronation Street actress Tupele Dorgu also wonderfully portrays Belinda Blair, the ‘mother hen’ of the company, looking after everyone and keeping everyone up to date with who is dating whom.

While the show depicts the same act of a play performed three times in succession, it is easy to enjoy, with a fast pace, good direction and talented actors, making it highly enjoyable. Although the dialogue is similar in this regard, it feels fresh and as funny as the first time hearing it with each new situation and farcical development. Each line manages to give a new perspective on what is happening, making it all the more fun.

Hilarious for everyone, whether they have worked in theatre or only been an audience member, the fast paced comedy is a true success.

Noises Off runs at the Royal Court, Liverpool until Saturday 4th October.

-Sarah Daniels