Review: Noises Off, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘A solid night out’

Noises Off is the play that ‘went wrong’ before that was even a thing. Some see it as a theatrical in-joke, and it really is – but there is more to it than that, and the concept has matured over time.

In 1982, Michael Frayn took the conventional farce tropes which had been entertaining audiences up and down the country for decades and mashed them up with the reality of professional theatre.

He created a convoluted show in which the audience sees the same play three times, once from the front, once from backstage and once again when we all know exactly what has been going on, on both sides.

Felicity Kendal, Alexander Hanson and Tracy-Ann Oberman in Noises Off at Theatre Royal Bath (September 2022) – photo: Nobby Clark

Secret assignations, dolly birds in lingerie, dropped trousers and multiple doors are combined with inappropriate relationships, world weary directors, actors who look unnecessarily for motivation and the ravages of regional touring.

It’s a bold idea, even now, and it pays off – if we give it time. Our attention to the first version is well rewarded as we watch the fictional company desperately clinging to the plot whilst living out their personal grievances.

Felicity Kendal, Jonathan Coy and Joseph Millson – photo: Nobby Clark

By the time we have reached this 40th anniversary year, modern audiences view farce through a different lens, thankfully.

What was originally just a hilarious look behind the scenes now takes on a kind of anachronistic anarchy, which makes the experience more complex. The audience got it, but they weren’t rolling in the aisles. It feels like a more intellectual watch than it was back then.

Pepter Lunkuse, Alexander Hanson and Tracy-Ann Oberman – photo: Nobby Clark

This production has a strong pedigree. Directed by Lindsay Posner, the cast includes Felicity Kendal, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Matthew Kelly – they are excellent, as you’d hope, but they are by no means the stand out stars.

The whole company gives it their all from start to finish, but the warmest audience reaction goes to Joseph Millson, whose demise – in both characters – is steep and whose timing is perfect.

Joseph Millson, Alexander Hanson, Hubert Burton and Sasha Frost – photo: Nobby Clark

Sasha Frost gives us more depth than her predecessors would have, and Jonathan Coy plays it straight but with moments of real tenderness. I hope they are having as much fun as it looks.

In a brilliant example of theatrical recursion, the audience is treated to the real life experience of something amazing being achieved behind the curtain in the dimmed house lights during Act Two.

Joseph Millson, Felicity Kendal and Matthew Kelly – photo: Nobby Clark

You don’t have to know much about theatre to understand quite what a feat is pulled off by the crew. Those people never receive applause, it’s not the done thing, but my word they deserve it.

This is a solid night out, it isn’t side-splitting but it’s impressive – performed by a company that knows what it is doing and sends you home smiling.

Noises Off is at Theatre Royal Bath from September 22-October 1 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday (in the second week only). Tickets are available at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Main photo: Nobby Clark

Read more: Review: The Doctor, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘A powerful and important play’

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