Noises Off at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Debbie Kingsland

Noises Off is a comedy created by English playwright Michael Frayn. Frayn conceived the idea in 1970 while watching from the wings a performance of The Two of Us, a farce that was written for Lynn Redgrave. The play has been shown in several theatres for over 40 years.

Author: Michael Frayn
Actors – Hisham Abdel Ezra Alexander Clare-Louise English George Kemp Harry Long Hilary Maclean Russell Richardson Ailsa Joy Gemma Salter Mollie Manning and Yani Green
Playwright: Michael Frayn

My friend and I found the play hilariously chaotic with the cast running up and down stairs, in and out of doors and a random burglar smashing their way through a window. The energy of the cast, however, was incredible, this was accentuated with the play director flying around the auditorium directing with frustration, anger, and total despair, as you would expect in the eventuality that this was in a real stage situation. Forgotten lines, misplaced props, and total mayhem throughout, but this was what the show was all about, right? I am still confused about the sardines however which appeared constantly throughout. Whilst I enjoyed the first half you do need to persevere as the second half of the show comes on leaps and bounds.

Full credit must go to Alisha Joy who I could have watched for hours. She was so hilariously animated both in facial and body stances that even looking at her on stage set me off with full belly laughs without her saying anything. The rest of the cast were also very funny, but she stood out for me.

The show is a bit Marmite, you will either love it or loathe it. If your humour enjoys Pink Panther or Faulty Towers this is a must for you. I found it incredibly funny as did the majority the audience who all seemed to be mainly middle-aged, but I am not sure that the younger generation would appreciate it as much.

Rating: 4/5

Dates at Queens Theatre Hornchurch
Wed 28 May – Sat 7 Jun 25

Prices
Tue – Thurs & Sat Matinee £19* | £23.50* | £27*
Fri & Sat evening £21.50* | £26* | £29*
Schools £10
Under 26s £8

Book tickets here https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/noises-off/

There is a café and bar area within the theatre. Both have step free access

Running Time
Matinee starts at 2:30pm and evening 7:30pm
140 minutes

Interval
This show will be in three acts with two intervals.
Interval 1: 20 minutes – as usual
Interval 2: 5 minutes – Remain in your seats
Access Details
Audio Description | available at all performances

BSL Interpreted | 7 Jun | 2.30pm

There are a limited number of free essential companion tickets available. These tickets are for adult patrons who require essential support during their visit.

Age guidance: 12+

All children aged under 14 must be seated with an accompanying adult (18+) when watching a performance

Getting there – After 6pm you can park on the road but there are a number of car parks within a few minutes’ walk. There are also bus and train links within a 10 minute walk too