Preview: Noises Off

Michael Frayn’s Noises Off is coming Cambridge Arts Theatre after a successful run at The Old Vic and the Novello Theatre in the West End.

The multi award-winning backstage comedy serves up a riotous double bill; a play within a play.

Hurtling along at breakneck speed it follows the backstage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through rehearsals to a shambolic first night in Weston–super-Mare and a final disastrous performance in Stockton-on-Tees.

The play won both Olivier and Evening Standard awards for Best Comedy.

Noises Off is the highest grossing show in the history of The Old Vic Theatre Company, breaking weekly box office records during its run there.

The show became the first Old Vic Theatre Company production to transfer into the West End, with performances at the Novello Theatre, and is now the first to embark on a major UK tour.

Michael Frayn has written 16 plays including Copenhagen, Afterlife, Benefactors, Donkeys’ Years, and Democracy. He has also translated for the theatre and written a number of screenplays.

Neil Pearson plays the director of Nothing On, Lloyd Dallas. Neil performed in the television series, Drop the Dead Donkey, as well as Between the Lines and Monroe.

He also appeared in Bridget Jones’ Diary and Bridget Jones’ Diary: Edge of Reason.

Maureen Beattie plays Dotty Otley who in turn plays Mrs Clackett, the Brent’s housekeeper. Maureen’s screen credits include Lewis, Vera, Taggart, Casualty and Channel 4’s Twelfth Night. She has performed extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Performances of Noises Off will be from Monday (April 8) to Saturday, April 13 at 7.45pm each evening with additional matinees at 2.30pm on the Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets cost from £15 to £35 plus a £2.50 booking fee. To book yours call the box office on 01223 503333.