Laughing their way into the West End
ThE joyous revival of Michael Frayn’s comedy noises Off, a laugh out loud hit at the Lyric, hammersmith, is getting set to make a wonderful racket in the West End.
Frayn’s superior back-stage farce had me in tears last Friday night. You know — when you laugh so much tears stream down your face.
I saw the very first production at the same address, directed by Paul Eddington. I can’t say that I’ve always enjoyed subsequent productions . . . until this one, directed by Jeremy herrin.
The plan being undertaken by Playful Productions and the Lyric is for noises Off to transfer to the garrick Theatre in late September or early October.
Casting deals are still being done so I don’t yet know who will move to the West End. But I hope it’s the current ensemble; the cast work brilliantly together.
The full company consists of Loi s Chimimba, Jonathan Cullen, Debra gi l let t , Amy Morgan, Enyi Okoronkwo, Lloyd Owen, Daniel Rigby, Simon Rouse and Meera Syal.
Unlike the delicious chaos unfolding on stage, the actors playing members of a touring regional company seem to have genuine company spirit. The collective comic timing is priceless, which is why it would be great for them to all move to the garrick.
noises Off would be taking over from David Mamet’s new piece Bitter Wheat, a low- energy vehicle for John Malkovich so dull I came out in hives. The hives returned Saturday night after three hours plus spent watching Peter gynt in the Olivier at the national Theatre.