Photo Credit: Craig Fuller Photography
Farce is never easy to do, and a farce within a farce is even harder to do. With that in mind, this production of the farce within a farce, Noises Off, is off the scale brilliant on so many levels.
We see behind the scenes of a touring theatre company putting on the farce Nothing’s On and meet them at the dress rehearsal or is it the tech? No one seems to know, as lines, props and plates of sardines come and go.
Photo Credit: Craig Fuller Photography
This new production is co-produced by the New Wolsey Theatre, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and Theatre by the Lake and marks the New Wolsey Theatre’s first ever international collaboration.
It’s directed by Doug Rintoul, the New Wolsey’s artistic director, and he does a tremendous job. This show needs pace and accuracy, particularly in the second act, and Doug has choreographed it all beautifully. For a play that is three acts long the evening flies by and the laughter builds and builds as the action gets more chaotic.
Photo Credit: Craig Fuller Photography
The cast are all superb and handle the comedy beautifully but special mentions go to George Kemp as Gerry Lejeune for incredible physical comedy and Ailsa Joy in the gift of the part that is Brooke Aston (both pictured above).
Photo Credit: Craig Fuller Photography
I’d also like to mention Ezra Alexander, (pictured above), who makes the relatively smaller part of Tim absolutely shine, especially in Act 2 where some business with flowers gets fabulous laughs.
Photo Credit: Craig Fuller Photography
This is certainly an ensemble piece and also a hugely technical play to do, and having been in a production myself over 20 years ago (as Brooke) I remember that aspect well. So a massive shout out to the tech team who are working everything behind the scenes, but who also do two complicated scenes changes between acts, in full view of the audience, and get a much deserved round of applause.
Photo Credit: Craig Fuller Photography
If you fancy an evening of absolute belly laughs and a masterclass in comedy then get yourself a ticket for Noises Off now.
Noises Off runs until 24th May at the New Wolsey Theatre, visit the New Wolsey Theatre Website , call 01473 295900 or visit the Box Office.
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