NOISES OFF Play Review

When Michael Frayn wrote this farce in 1982, he wouldn't have thought that he was creating something so popular that people would perform it even after three decades. This year The Company Theatre celebrates its twentieth anniversary by reviving its 2003 production of NOISES OFF. Though it's one of the funniest comedies ever written, it's also very difficult to execute as it relies heavily on comic timing and the stamina of its actors. Only a team of fine actors can pull it off well, which in this case comes close.

NOISES OFF is a play within a play. It's about a cranky director and his troupe of dimwit actors who are trying hard to put up a show of a silly bedroom comedy titled 'Nothing On'- a single set farce in which doors are slammed, sardines fly, clothes are tossed away and actors are ignorant of what's going on. The three acts divulge into different phases of the disastrous show 'Nothing on'. The first act showcases a dress rehearsal on stage where Lloyd (Vivek Gomber), the director of the play dawdles through the opening sequence of the play 'Nothing On' as the actors keep breaking out of their characters and forget their lines. Dotty (Anuja Ghosalkar) who plays the role of Mrs. Clackett is confused about her props and stage directions. Brooke (Yuki Ellias) in the role of Vicki is a treat to watch. She is clueless about the happenings on stage and keeps losing her contact lenses. Her animated 'bimbo' act will keep you laughing throughout.

The second act gives a peek into the backstage chaos which includes romantic relationships, cat fights between actresses and love triangles. It also exposes the pressure the theatre group has to go through while a performance is on. The spectators will be entertained with physical comedy in this act. During the second act of the play, the men in black (the backstage team) spill out on stage and literally flip the stage for behind the stage scene. After the scene is over, they flip it again for Act III. Flipping of the stage by the backstage team is a bit distracting as it breaks the invisible wall which exists between the performers and the audience. Originally written for a revolving stage, it could have been visually pleasing and appropriate that way.

In Act III, the audience witnesses a delightfully ruined performance of the play. The actors slip, slide, jump and fall on each other, props are seen flying in the air, sardines are scattered all over and it's nothing but a mess when everyone is delivering the wrong dialogues and missing their cues. The bedlam is beautifully enacted by these young, talented and prolific actors. The chemistry between Shruti Vyas (Belinda) and Jim Sarbh (Freddy) is worth a watch. Freddy (Jim) is cute, adorable and irritating at the same time. He is one of those actors who need to understand the whys and hows of every action. Sagar Deshmukh does complete justice to the small role of Selsdon, a burglar. He is always boozed, finds it hard to hear and has absolutely no idea of his entry and exits. Garry (Sumit Vyas) is charming but fails to make sense. Rachel D'Souza (Poppy) and Sujay Saple (Tim) were slightly low on energy as compared to their other co-actors.

The comic timing and over the top acting did have audiences enjoying the show but it could have been better if the actors would have cut down on hamming. Though the lights and music were used appropriately, I wish some humour could have been created out of these add-on effects too.

Atul Kumar has well directed his actors during most of the chaotic scenes where lack of coordination becomes necessary. The actors have put in immense effort and energy and that reflects when they are almost breathless while enacting the last scene. This is an adult comedy so keep your children out. There is the danger of this comedy turning slapstick but go for it for its sheer entertainment.

*Astha Arora is an actor. She has a graduate degree in Mass Media and is now pursuing her Masters in Journalism.