SCENE IT: Absurdity escapism with NOISES OFF

Beverley Brommert

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Under the expert direction of veteran Christopher Weare, and headed by two professional actors like Aidan Scott and Natalie Robbie, the ensemble of students from LAMTA brings youthful brio to Michael Frayne's captivating farce, NOISES OFF.

Photo by Daniel Rutland Manners.

A piquant marriage of off-stage verisimilitude and on-stage absurdity keeps NOISES OFF within the bounds of belief while allowing intermittent escapism into a wildly implausible plot.

The ambiguous title "Nothing On!" projected on the curtain before it rises, hints at the genre (risqué bedroom farce) of the play-within-a-play that we are about to see. 

Soon thereafter it becomes apparent that this is a dress rehearsal that begins badly and deteriorates further as cast and director become increasingly exasperated with one another...

Photo by Daniel Rutland Manners.

Apart from the collective ineptitude of the players and divided attention of the harassed individual directing them, the farce under rehearsal has a plot of dubious merit, making the whole production an unlikely enterprise at best.

The only reliable element in the chaos is the wayward behaviour of a plate of sardines, nowhere in sight when needed, but making an unwelcome appearance when not - all in keeping with the pervasive lunacy. 

In addition, there is the turbulent interaction backstage, fit material for drama in its own right: a farrago of misunderstandings, mistakes and mistimings...

Photo by Daniel Rutland Manners.

Far from affording leeway for less than proficient execution, this deceptively challenging farce requires split-second timing to carry the double plot with conviction, and its multiple demands are met with enviable confidence by these young performers.

Predictably, Aidan Scott embraces his role as the frustrated director of a motley crew with assurance, endowing his persona with a convincing blend of resignation and wrath in response to the ever-evolving crises of a dress rehearsal, then an opening night, and finally another, even more catastrophic performance later on in the show's run.

Natalie Robbie, playing a mature actress aptly named Dotty, is resolutely unfocused as she mislays props and blunders through her lines; however, she judiciously steers clear of caricature to remain plausible and even endears herself to the audience by her apparent lack of guile.

Photo by Daniel Rutland Manners.

Admirable ensemble from LAMTA'S students attests to astute casting and wholesome discipline, as entrances and exits are effected with sleek precision.

Notable amid the general proficiency are Benjamin Stannard (as Garry rehearsing Roger) and Michael Mittendorf (as Tim, playing the jaded stage manager-cum-understudy). Though only second-year students, both show remarkable maturity and insight in their approach to characterisation.

Vocal clarity and keen awareness of that interdependence so integral to strong ensemble are what this cast achieves in Frayne's evergreen masterpiece, assisted by a well-devised set and lighting design from Kieran McGregor.

Few can resist the infectious fun of NOISES OFF as it parodies and celebrates a centuries-old comedic genre that has lost none its appeal: escapist farce, faithfully served by this production.

You can see NOISES OFF at Theatre on the Bay until 14 September 2025. Tickets (from R180) can be booked online through Webtickets.