Interview: Actor Marc Small on NOISES OFF at Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Actor of stage and screen for over 20 years Marc Small is soon to be performing in Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s 40th anniversary production of Noises Off. We caught up with Marc during rehearsals.

When did you first know that acting was the career for you?

I was enamoured with acting since primary school when I was cast as The Artful Dodger in Oliver, which is a great part to be introduced into the performing world with. Then in middle school, I was fortunate enough to play Kenickie in Grease and sing ‘Greased Lightning’, which was an absolute joy. The only wavering I had was whether I was going to act or play basketball as a career, but acting won out.

You’ve been in the industry for over 20 years now, what has been your favourite production to be involved in?

Over such a long time it’s hard to pick one production to hold up as my favourite to be involved in, as there are such varied reasons why a person would love a production they are in. So with that in mind, I’ll cheat and mention two. A Christmas Carol where I played Scrooge because I felt so secure in the part that I could improvise with the audience throughout. Secondly, Tom Robinson in To Kill A Mockingbird, simply because I feel the quality of performance matched the importance of the production’s message.

What do you enjoy most between acting, writing or directing?

I think all three disciplines have their upsides and rotate to the number one position depending on the mood I’m in. However, I always love being in the rehearsal room, working out the complexities and investigating the mechanics of a play. So if I have to pick one right now, probably directing.

Are there any roles that you haven’t played yet that you would really like to do?

I think an actor’s go to part is Hamlet, if they haven’t played it, but I don’t like learning lines so it’s definitely not that. Strangely two parts that spring to mind are both musicals and I’m not a strong enough singer for that to be the case. But in a world where Aretha Franklin would ask me for singing tips, probably Sweeney Todd and Eric “Rubber Legs” De Vene from the musical A Slice of Saturday Night. Directing the latter would feel just as good.

You’re involved in the 40th anniversary staging of Noises Off at the Pitlochry Festival theatre, tell us about that please.

It is absolutely no surprise that Noises Off has reached a 40th anniversary and the level of success it has. It is one of, if not the best farce ever written. I’ve loved it for years, I remember watching the Derek Griffiths production in London around 2000/2001. Even though the film version can’t capture the energy you get from the live theatre experience and is americanised, I love the performances in it; especially John Ritter, Christopher Reeves and of course Michael Caine. Initially I didn’t want to be in it because I wanted to watch it multiple times this season, but how can you turn down a comedy so meticulously crafted?

What attracted you to the role of Lloyd Dallas?

As the director, Lloyd has the unenviable task of trying to juggle the personalities of the actors and crew of the production, while very much being up against the clock. He clearly believes he is smarter than everyone else and definitely has an ego problem, though he is still respected by the company. Playing arrogant but lovable is definitely a challenge!

Have you ever witnessed something particularly farcical or disastrous backstage, similar to that of the touring company in Noises Off, when working in theatre yourself?

I think I have been lucky enough to not have been involved in a production that has been totally falling to pieces backstage while the performance was going on……..well, not where I can name names! That’s my official statement and I’m sticking to it.

What can audiences expect from this production of Noises Off?

From start to finish the audience can expect to smile, laugh, then laugh some more as the situation and desperation of the play escalates out of control. Michael Frayn has written a wonderful play and I think Ben Occhipinti has brought it to life so joyously for its 40th Anniversary.

Noises Off plays at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 27 May-1 October, with tickets available here.