‘Noises Off’ has been accurately described as one of the funniest plays ever written. It tells the story of a play within a play and has been running constantly around the world since its 1982 debut. Brisbane theatregoers are in for a treat this winter as the Queensland Theatre, in conjunction with the Melbourne Theatre, have assembled a stellar cast including many well-known film, television and stage names to perform this hilarious play right here at the Playhouse, QPAC. I was privileged to be invited along to the opening for a fun night filled with hilarity, energy and laughter and was privileged to attend the beautiful after party for a meet and greet with the stars.
About the Play
Playwright Michael Frayn has masterfully weaved an on and off stage farce. ‘Noises Off’ tells the story of a company of unfocused actors putting on a play well beyond their abilities as they tour Middle England. The company frays and falls apart and their play ‘Nothing On’ fails utterly to the delight and mirth of the watching audience. Add a clumsy brunette bombshell (Libby Munro); an addled actress as a dotty housekeeper (Louise Seversin) and an alcoholic septuagenarian (Steve Tandy) in the role of a burglar and you get an idea of the problems faced by Lloyd Dallas (Simon Burke) as onstage director. Sam Strong fresh from directing the critically acclaimed, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ takes the reins once again as the real director of this comedic masterpiece.
The Cast
I was amazed when I saw the list of talent assembled to perform in this show. One of my all time favourites of film , television and stage -Simon Burke (yes, Australian acting royalty and Play School alumni) plays the director, Lloyd Dallas. Multi- Matilda award winning actor Libby Munro returns to the Queensland stage fresh from filming her first feature in Los Angeles. Libby is joined by the experienced Hugh Parker (Tartuffe, Seagull). Recognisable actors from our family favourite ‘House Husbands’ the elegant Louise Siversen and talented James Saunders who only added to the mirth. Also having fun on stage were Paris trained Emily Goddard, Steven Tandy, Ray Chong Nee and Nicky Wendt. The whole energetic ensemble cast were terrific with their timing and provided the audience with dozens of laugh out loud moments.
I have seen a lot of funny plays. I just saw the latest ‘A Comedy About a Bank Robbery’ in London but I have to say the critics were right – this is the funniest play I’ve ever seen. The first scene is great then each scene after that just gets funnier, until the last scene where the whole audience were in stitches. For a great night out filled with laughter, slapstick comedy and a dose of wonderful acting look no further than Queensland Theatre’s ‘Noises Off’. The play runs from 3 -25 June at the Playhouse, QPAC.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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