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Noises Off
Noises Off, the classic farce by the Tony Award—winning author of Copenhagen, is not one play but two: simultaneously a traditional sex farce, Nothing On, and the backstage “drama” that develops during Nothing On’s final rehearsal and tour. The two begin to interlock as the characters make their exits from Nothing On only to find themselves making entrances into the even worse nightmare going on backstage. In the end, at the disastrous final performance, the two plots can be kept separate no longer, and coalesce into a single collective nervous breakdown.
149 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
85 people are currently reading
6153 people want to read
About the author
Michael Frayn
113 books268 followersMichael Frayn is an English playwright and novelist. He is best known as the author of the farce Noises Off and the dramas Copenhagen and Democracy. His novels, such as Towards the End of the Morning, Headlong and Spies, have also been critical and commercial successes, making him one of the handful of writers in the English language to succeed in both drama and prose fiction. His works often raise philosophical questions in a humorous context. Frayn's wife is Claire Tomalin, the biographer and literary journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
September 20, 2009
I've seen this three times. It's the most clever play, hysterically funny, really laugh-until-it-hurts-funny, but it has to be done by somebody top-notch. Happily, I've only bombed out once.
Michael Frayn suffers from being an all-rounder. I once read some advice he gave to aspiring writers. Find one thing to say and keep saying it, that's what people want out of an author. All-rounders are never respected. Luckily for most writers, they do only have about one thing to say.
Frayn couldn't be further from that. I find it quite astonishing that Noises Off and Copenhagen could both come from the same pen. It may hurt his pocket, but honestly, Michael Frayn, there are grateful readers out there. I hope that is some compensation.
Michael Frayn suffers from being an all-rounder. I once read some advice he gave to aspiring writers. Find one thing to say and keep saying it, that's what people want out of an author. All-rounders are never respected. Luckily for most writers, they do only have about one thing to say.
Frayn couldn't be further from that. I find it quite astonishing that Noises Off and Copenhagen could both come from the same pen. It may hurt his pocket, but honestly, Michael Frayn, there are grateful readers out there. I hope that is some compensation.
December 11, 2011
It's such a shame that both the script and the movie are out of print. "Noises Off!" is the funniest comedy I have ever seen or read.
In "Noises Off!" a group of actors is preparing to stage a production of the smash farce "Nothing On." This is part of why this play is so funny: The play that the actors are butchering is hilarious in itself. All of the actors and stage hands are inept in their own unique way. They forget lines and stage directions, lose contact lenses and deal with a set that won't work right. In each act, at least one actor has it out for another. Flowers, bottles of alcohol and entirely too many sardines create havoc. Frayn reaches supreme physical and verbal comedy.
If you've seen it on stage, you know how funny it is (and how difficult to perform). But, the script contains hilarious "bios" of the actors that presumably appear in the playbill. And the side-by-side scripts of the second act (lines and directions for what is happening on stage and back stage) are really funny. This play is the funniest thing I've read!
Note about the movie: Unlike the movie, the play is not set in the U.S. Consequently, place names and terminology are sometimes confusing. And, the play ends differently than the movie.
In "Noises Off!" a group of actors is preparing to stage a production of the smash farce "Nothing On." This is part of why this play is so funny: The play that the actors are butchering is hilarious in itself. All of the actors and stage hands are inept in their own unique way. They forget lines and stage directions, lose contact lenses and deal with a set that won't work right. In each act, at least one actor has it out for another. Flowers, bottles of alcohol and entirely too many sardines create havoc. Frayn reaches supreme physical and verbal comedy.
If you've seen it on stage, you know how funny it is (and how difficult to perform). But, the script contains hilarious "bios" of the actors that presumably appear in the playbill. And the side-by-side scripts of the second act (lines and directions for what is happening on stage and back stage) are really funny. This play is the funniest thing I've read!
Note about the movie: Unlike the movie, the play is not set in the U.S. Consequently, place names and terminology are sometimes confusing. And, the play ends differently than the movie.
August 4, 2020
Hilarious. A farce about a farce. The lights died, and an apologetic stage manager had to explain to the audience that there had been a technical glitch. For that to happen in any show is unfortunate; to happen during a comedy about a theater show collapsing around it's actors is profoundly ironic.
May 24, 2020
I get the impression this is much loved by the am-dram contingent as it's a play about putting on a play. The dialogue and stage choreography pinballs around at breakneck speed, and you get the added meta dimension of the director's interventions, and from the second act being staged in the wings.
May 24, 2017
SIX WORD REVIEW: Sardines and sheikhs and backstage drama!
August 14, 2013
This play is Hilarious. I wish I had seen it while it was on Broadway, especially with the cast on the cover of the book (Patti LuPone,Peter Gallagher, Richard Easton, Katie Finneran, T.R. Knight, Thomas McCarthy, Robin Weigert, Faith Prince, and Edward Hibbert). As I laughed through reading this play it brought me back to my early college years when I saw The Dinner Party on Broadway. I laughed so hard during that play I cried! So after hearing that there was a film version of this play I immediately thought during the second act I have to watch this play to get the full experience.
This is a play within a play. The reader/audience gets to see everything that happens behind the scenes while the performance continues on stage. The hilarity continues with each act as things slowly start to go wrong. But you know what they say, the show must go on! (No matter what!)
Also, love the bonus playbill for the production that takes place in this play! Definitely completes the feel of a play within a play.
This is a play within a play. The reader/audience gets to see everything that happens behind the scenes while the performance continues on stage. The hilarity continues with each act as things slowly start to go wrong. But you know what they say, the show must go on! (No matter what!)
Also, love the bonus playbill for the production that takes place in this play! Definitely completes the feel of a play within a play.
June 15, 2011
One of the funniest things I've ever read!
My first exposure to Noises Off came from a class in college, where it was listed on the course syllabus. We read portions of the text in class, and actually disrupted the class above us because we were laughing so hard and so loud.
It's very difficult, at first, to keep track of who is which character and when. Once you get past the initial difficulty, it's just a roller coaster ride of fun and hilarity.
I will say, though, that most of the humor in this script will be more appreciated by those who have worked in or around the world of theater. I viewed the movie with a non-theater type, and they were not nearly as amused.
Definitely pick this up and give it a go. It's worth several reads!
My first exposure to Noises Off came from a class in college, where it was listed on the course syllabus. We read portions of the text in class, and actually disrupted the class above us because we were laughing so hard and so loud.
It's very difficult, at first, to keep track of who is which character and when. Once you get past the initial difficulty, it's just a roller coaster ride of fun and hilarity.
I will say, though, that most of the humor in this script will be more appreciated by those who have worked in or around the world of theater. I viewed the movie with a non-theater type, and they were not nearly as amused.
Definitely pick this up and give it a go. It's worth several reads!
September 20, 2012
I list this not because I think it is the greatest play ever written, but I have read it and seen it maybe five times on stage and film and it can always make me laugh REALLy hard, sometimes to tears, choking with laughter. A farce, and a good one.
October 8, 2013
A really good time! How? How is it that a writer can make a can of sardines so funny? I loved every character and every hysterical predicament the actors put themselves in while trying to put on their show.
June 1, 2016
This was highly amusing. Oddly, I feel like walking around with a plate of sardines in striped boxers. Read the damn book.
July 28, 2021
And this is just one of many reasons showmances are never a good idea! And god said let there be SARDINES!!!
May 29, 2019
#20BooksOfSummer
Finished: 03.11.201
Genre: play
Rating: A++++++++
Conclusion:
Reading time: 2 hr 55 min
For once a blurb has lived up to expectations
…this is surely the funniest farce ever written!
This play-in-a-play left me laughing out loud!
Noises Off (1982) by Michael Frayn.
It is said to be one of the
...greatest comedies ever preformed on stage!
Reading the introduction…and discover the first laugh!
Prague: play performed without Act 3 for 10 years…
NO one noticed until Frayn arrived for a show!
The play is available on Kinde.
Perfect poolside
…reading this summer.
#LOL
Finished: 03.11.201
Genre: play
Rating: A++++++++
Conclusion:
Reading time: 2 hr 55 min
For once a blurb has lived up to expectations
…this is surely the funniest farce ever written!
This play-in-a-play left me laughing out loud!
Noises Off (1982) by Michael Frayn.
It is said to be one of the
...greatest comedies ever preformed on stage!
Reading the introduction…and discover the first laugh!
Prague: play performed without Act 3 for 10 years…
NO one noticed until Frayn arrived for a show!
The play is available on Kinde.
Perfect poolside
…reading this summer.
#LOL
August 15, 2025
seems like it must have been soooo much fun to write. like I bet he was giggling and teeheeing while typing. Reading Act 2 kinda made me feel like I was having an aneurism but, for the most part, I loved this!
August 21, 2016
Michael Frayn puts the mad ánd the cap into madcap with this thrilling farce. The troupe of actors performing the farce 'Nothing on' suffers from internal strife and compromised professionalism. Love, hate, alcoholism, violence-induced nosebleeds and a veritable school of sardines join flowers, props and a cactus in causing havoc. It is fascinating to see the words lying dormant on the page after having seen the play on stage as well as the filmed version (which remains remarkably true to the original, while adding a unifying frame narrative). The coup de grace in the published version is the notes from the programme of the fictional performance of 'Nothing on', complete with notes about the actors and a very serious discussion of the bedroom farce as a glimpse of the noumenal. This is either a very serious piece of academic writing, or not. Just as the plate of sardines is there, or not. Or the bag. Or the burglar. Or the sheikh. Seriously funny, though, and funnily serious. Good enough for a few weeks' worth of laugh therapy.
Michael Frayn se toneelstuk oor 'n span onbeholpe akteurs wat 'n klug op die planke bring, is in druk net so prettig as op die verhoog of in die filmweergawe. Die malle spul wat hierdie teks aandurf, mag nie onbeholpe wees nie: dit is vlymskerp en ingestel op nanosekonde-tydsberekening. Dit plaas sowel die mal as die trap in maltrap: 'n mens raak van kyk en lees ewe moeg omdat jy jou maand se oefening kry deur die oortyd-aksie van jou lagspiere.
Michael Frayn se toneelstuk oor 'n span onbeholpe akteurs wat 'n klug op die planke bring, is in druk net so prettig as op die verhoog of in die filmweergawe. Die malle spul wat hierdie teks aandurf, mag nie onbeholpe wees nie: dit is vlymskerp en ingestel op nanosekonde-tydsberekening. Dit plaas sowel die mal as die trap in maltrap: 'n mens raak van kyk en lees ewe moeg omdat jy jou maand se oefening kry deur die oortyd-aksie van jou lagspiere.
August 24, 2012
Noises Off is one of the most entertaining and brilliant farces I've ever encountered. Every character has his place, every line has its purpose, every scene creates mayhem and hilarity. The play, separated into three acts, is about a group of actors, a director, and two stagehands trying to put on their very own farcical comedy, but drama and destruction ensue in the funniest of ways, making "Nothing On", the play within a play, a living nightmare for everyone on set.
I've always been exceptionally critical of comedies, especially those that play on life's extremes. I don't laugh when someone gets hit over the head for no reason. I do laugh when Gary goes after Freddie with and ax because he mistakenly thinks the latter has slept with his girl. I don't laugh when someone flubs and does an "oopsie!" I do laugh when all the sudden in the third act Brooke stops and blinks one eye, because I know from the set-up in the first act that that one gesture means she has lost a contact, and with everything else going wrong this is the cherry on top of the chaos cake.
The entire play is a web of cause and effect. It thrills me every time I read it and, even more so, every time I see it. The best part: You almost never know when something has actually gone wrong, since the entire play is things going wrong. It's a sit-back-and-enjoy-the-ride kind of deal.
I've always been exceptionally critical of comedies, especially those that play on life's extremes. I don't laugh when someone gets hit over the head for no reason. I do laugh when Gary goes after Freddie with and ax because he mistakenly thinks the latter has slept with his girl. I don't laugh when someone flubs and does an "oopsie!" I do laugh when all the sudden in the third act Brooke stops and blinks one eye, because I know from the set-up in the first act that that one gesture means she has lost a contact, and with everything else going wrong this is the cherry on top of the chaos cake.
The entire play is a web of cause and effect. It thrills me every time I read it and, even more so, every time I see it. The best part: You almost never know when something has actually gone wrong, since the entire play is things going wrong. It's a sit-back-and-enjoy-the-ride kind of deal.
August 11, 2013
Noises Off is hilarious. It begins with a company performing the final dress rehearsal of the fictional sex farce, Nothing On. The first act provides the set-up for the completely hysterical second act and the disastrous finale. Frayn establishes the cast of characters so perfectly that when things fall apart backstage during the tour in the second act, every moment is laugh out loud funny. The interaction between the players is quick, sharp, and pitch-perfect. By the conclusion in the third act, there is nothing left to do but watch the ensuing disintegration with helpless glee.
I enjoyed reading the play and the included extracts from the Nothing On program. The actor bios were a riot. I also rented the DVD of Noises Off to watch after I finished the play so that I could see it performed. I highly recommend both.
I enjoyed reading the play and the included extracts from the Nothing On program. The actor bios were a riot. I also rented the DVD of Noises Off to watch after I finished the play so that I could see it performed. I highly recommend both.
September 11, 2011
A farce of a farce--farce squared. A group of rather unfortunate actors try to put on a play while various affairs, alcohol problems, rivalries, and psychological problems gum up the works. It's difficult to read, particularly the second act where the action happening on stage runs down one side of the page while the action happening backstage is on the other. While the movie was entertaining, I don't think it captured everything here completely.
August 10, 2021
I have never read this but have seen it being performed. It's the most hilarious play I've ever seen (and I've seen a fair few in my time). I was laughing so hard I was having to gasp for breath and I thought the woman behind me was going to have a heart attack, she was in such hysterics. If you ever get the opportunity, please go and see it.
July 28, 2019
I feel like this would be a play better seen live. Although chaotically funny and perfectly capturing the deterioration of a play through its entire crew catching themselves up in tumultuous love affairs, drama, and unexpected parallels, Noises Off finds itself repeating jokes over and over again. The repetition irked me on reading, but seeing the visual cues differentiate throughout the three acts onstage might make me think differently. This seems like a difficult play to direct, but if done well, this farce on a farce will have its meta jolly fun sending its audience on a riotous ride. I enjoyed it and laughed several times, but jokes on sardines and affectionate titles are only funny so many times.
Read
March 23, 2018First show I ever saw on Broadway. I have seen many versions. I have directed scenes from it with student companies. I auditioned for it recently (without success). One of the funniest plays ever written. Anyone who has been in a touring theatre company will recognize the reality underlying the hilarious extremes. Not to be missed, if you ever get the chance to see/read it.
August 29, 2020
This was hysterical and I'm quite sorry I won't be able to see it in person anytime soon. Given the amount of physical comedy involved, I'm sure it's much better seen live. Even so it's a rollicking good read once you get into the second act. Definitely the funniest play I've ever read.
August 11, 2019
I shouldn’t even read plays, I never like it that much
August 14, 2021
Every actor’s dream. Every director’s nightmare. And an inside joke for the majority of every audience.
May 25, 2022
Read this for a theatre thing-
Funny when I understood what was going on!
Probably would be WONDERFUL preformed, I almost feel bad giving it 3 stars from just reading the script, as I know this is meant to be SEEN and not READ. The most engaging of shows however tend to also have a script that is enjoyable to read as well as to watch.
Either way, my reading experience was, ok.
Edit: ok we watched the show in theatre, very funny! The show I would give 4.5/5!!!!!!
Funny when I understood what was going on!
Probably would be WONDERFUL preformed, I almost feel bad giving it 3 stars from just reading the script, as I know this is meant to be SEEN and not READ. The most engaging of shows however tend to also have a script that is enjoyable to read as well as to watch.
Either way, my reading experience was, ok.
Edit: ok we watched the show in theatre, very funny! The show I would give 4.5/5!!!!!!
September 29, 2023
I've read this brilliant farce numerous times. I like to revisit it when I need a good belly laugh and its a great mental palette cleanser between books of different genres.
April 30, 2020
I think what makes this play so brilliant is how hard it is to read and easy it is to watch. A favorite forever
September 5, 2024
My brother and younger sister performed Noises Off in high school. I think I saw it at least twice. I remember being quite entertained by seeing the drama unfold on and off stage. Now having read the play, especially Act II with more text in stage direction than in dialogue, I am even more impressed with my high school peers. This was such a fun read and the nostalgia isn't bad either.
July 24, 2009
I had more trouble reading this play than any other play I have ever read, including Shakespeare. There is so much going on. I really enjoyed it and we watched the movie version of the play as part of our library group discussion. I got more out of watching the play/movie having read it first but it was definitely more fun to watch than to read. The movie version was hilarious and the cast was absolutely outstanding...Michael Caine, Carol Burnett, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, Marilu Henner, Julie Haggerty, Nicollette Sheridan, and Mark Linn Baker. I laughed almost continously and when I wasn't laughing I was in awe of the timing and comedic talent it took to put on this production. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys theater or comedy.
July 28, 2016
I have never laughed so hard at reading a script. Firstly, because it is so funny. Secondly, as an actor, I actually could see the ridiculous slapstick stuff that happens in this play actually happening.
The play is based in two acts. The first act is the final dress rehearsal, the second act is a month into the run, and then it jumps ahead again another month into the run.
I honestly laughed and laughed at the situations they find themselves in and the relationships that steadily deteriorate through the play.
If you want a laugh that pokes fun at actors and the ridiculous situations they put themselves in then read this.
The play is based in two acts. The first act is the final dress rehearsal, the second act is a month into the run, and then it jumps ahead again another month into the run.
I honestly laughed and laughed at the situations they find themselves in and the relationships that steadily deteriorate through the play.
If you want a laugh that pokes fun at actors and the ridiculous situations they put themselves in then read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews