40 years ago, Matthew Kelly was up for a part in Michael Frayn's Noises Off but recently has he finally made his debut in this long renowned hit comedy. A play within a play, Noises Off focuses on a theatre company on tour and makes use of the bedroom farce, involving a near-sexual encounter that is always forestalled by the intervention of coincidental encounters. It does this beautifully, with many layers and plenty of laughs along the way. The show consists of three acts. The first act shows the actors during a rehearsal of ‘Nothing On’ where we see slight tension between the cast; the second act, you see the same thing only from backstage where they are trying to sabotage each other; and the final act is when the play has been on tour for a while and has completely gone to pieces.

Despite being written in 1982, this play feels as fresh and as funny as ever. As an audience member, you are really immersed into this clever farce, feeling like you are a fly on the wall, observing. There is a fantastic slap stick theme throughout, which becomes more and more chaotic as time goes on; this includes a cactus being placed in a prime spot for one of our leading gentlemen. Yet it all feels very natural and not at all predictable. It is clear to see how this world-renowned play and film has influenced many writers during its 40 year reign; the show Frasier springs to mind. Just watch the episode ‘Ham Radio’ if you need convincing.

This cast is not short of a few stars: Liza Goddard and Matthew Kelly being the most well-known. Of course, Kelly is no stranger to the city of Birmingham, having performed here many times, including Of Mice and Men as Lennie in which he won the Olivier award for Best Actor when it transferred to the West End. Despite their star status, neither steal the show. Not because they aren’t excellent, but because this show really is an ensemble piece and every member of the cast are truly flawless and each play their part with wonderful comedic timing and physicality.

The set supports the actors to perform this comedy with its various doors, stretching telephone cords, handles that break off and curtains that fall down at the opportune moment. The second act ends and a three minute interval begins, the dim lighting suggests to the audience to remain seated and the string music they use is our cue that it’s starting once more. The audience, at this point, are on the edge of their seats, ready to laugh all over again.

Noises Off feels like the original play within a play, a seamless comedy that you’ll want to watch again and again.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton

Noises Off plays at Birmingham Rep until 9 September, with further information here, before continuing its countrywide tour.