Review: NOISES OFF, Theatre Royal Brighton

Photo credit: Nobby Clark

For the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Michael Frayn’s beloved comedy double bill Noises Off!, we catch this marvel on one of its stops in Theatre Royal Brighton before it finishes the tour in Cambridge, having already delighted audiences in Bath and Richmond.

Following both the on and off stage shenanigans of the fictional cast and crew of the production ‘Nothing On’, Noises Off! is a phenomenal play showing off the best of British theatre. Icon Felicity Keldal leads the cast of unparalleled talent including the likes of Tracy-Ann Oberman, Jonathan Coy and WEBF favourite Matthew Kelly (we caught Kelly in his outstanding performance of The Dresser last year, lucky us!)

Joining them are the equally emphatic Alexander Hanson, Joseph Millson, Hubert Burton, Sasha Frost & Peter Lunkuse. The entire cast work tirelessly to keep us entertained and belly-laughing for all three acts and boy, do they deliver! Never would we have thought watching the same section of a play three times over would be so delightful! Showing us the rehearsal process, backstage craziness of opening night and a trainwreck final performance is a genius way of having us both prepared for what's to come and yet completely on the edge of our seats with anticipation of the next escapade from this crazy bunch.

The incredibly choreographed and organised chaos of the show is impeccably done and we really must credit that, not only to the on stage talent, but also to director Lindsay Posner and the production team.

Besties, we absolutely LOVE this entire show, it really reminds us that a bit of classic slapstick comedy will never go out of fashion. Despite being a 40 year old play, we didn’t feel an ounce of its age and the comedy manages to remain timeless and entertaining for all (even if some of the more branded jokes went a little over our heads).

As theatre-lovers, we all enjoy getting a little taste of the backstage magic and this play delivers that, and so much more. We cannot stop raving, Besties! Get yourselves down to Brighton or Cambridge to make sure you don’t miss out on the best night out you’ll have in a long time!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Natalie Pedro

Noises Off plays at Theatre Royal Brighton until 22 October, with tickets available here.