Noises Off
By Michael Frayn · The Tower Theatre, Folkestone
| Noises Off | |
.jpg) Noises Off promotional image | |
| Production Details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 14–16 May 2026 |
| Venue | The Tower Theatre |
| Director | Aaron Birks |
| Writer | Michael Frayn |
| Producer | Rebekah Reynolds |
| Amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd | |
The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society presented Noises Off by Michael Frayn on 14–16 May 2026 at The Tower Theatre, Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
Synopsis
Called "the funniest farce ever written," Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing's On. Slamming doors, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious, high-energy comedy.
Inspired by the 'Backside'
Playwright Michael Frayn conceived the idea while watching one of his own farces from the wings, noting that the backstage chaos was funnier than the play in front.
Foreword
There are few who will deny that Theatre is funny. It's full of funny people with funny ideas that do funny things. That bloke whose birthday it is today as I write this knew a thing or two when he said all the world's a stage.
Theatre is also serious. It's full of serious people with serious ideas that do serious things.
The inevitable comedy that ensues when these two sets of people meet up and put on a play is almost beyond parody. Almost.
So, with all that in mind, welcome to FHODS' production of Noises Off, wherein this seriously funny cast have worked tirelessly to do what this frankly peculiar but determined director told them to do, and have produced something seriously good.
Enjoy the show!
Quick Director's PS: I've made this production immersive, so whilst it has two intervals of twenty minutes each, performing onstage and throughout the theatre will take place during the intervals and the set changes will happen for your entertainment too. I'd therefore recommend you pre-order drinks at the bar for both intervals in advance.
- Clackett's Agony
- The Sex Maniac
- Selsdon's Old and Peculiar
- Aaron Birks, Director
Cast
Production Team
Direction & Production
- Director – Aaron Birks
ProducerDesign & Technical
- Set Design – Aaron Birks & Michael Pearce
Technical Set ConsultantWardrobe & Props
- Props – Myra Collingridge, Wendy Allum & Emma Franks
CostumeMedia & Marketing
- Design/Media – Malcolm Laye
Photography & Marketing Media
For The Tower Theatre
Thanks and Acknowledgements
With Thanks To
- Emmie Rhodes – for supplying an outraged girlfriend and Dotty's suitcases