WELCOME TO
NOISES OFF – PRE-SHOW
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1. ABOUT THE PLAY
Noises Off follows a theatre company as they rehearse and perform Nothing On, a comedy that performs across England.
Can this offbeat ensemble overcome personal drama and technical mishaps for the sake of the show, or are they destined for disaster?
Noises Off is a laugh-out-loud “farce within a farce” that’s delighted audiences for over 40 years - and is considered one of the funniest modern, comedic plays.
Click to learn more about Alley Theatre’s production – including content advisories.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL NOISES OFF TRAILER HERE
2. WHEN + WHERE
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Noises Off takes place in modern-day.
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Nothing On, the play-within-a-play, is set in the 1980s.
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Nothing On is touring around England, and we see the mounting chaos as the production travels to these towns - each stop bringing its own set of challenges.
Act 1: Dress Rehearsal – Trouble is brewing.
Weston-super-Mare – January 14th
Act 2: On the road – We see what's going on backstage while the cast tries to keep it together.
Ashton-under-Lyne – February 13th
Act 3: Closing night – Shenanigans reign supreme.
Stockton-on-Tees – April 6th
London – England’s capital city.
(for reference)
MAP OF ENGLAND WITH STOPS ON THE TOUR
CLICK TO ENLARGE.
3. WHO'S WHO
Read the character descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor's bio.
Alley Actress:
Elizabeth Bunch*
Noises Off Character: Dotty Otley
Traits: Comedic, dramatic, slightly forgetful, nurturing, and has a flair for the theatrical.
Description: An experienced actress, Dotty is both a source of humor and a guiding force in the play. She often brings warmth to the group, despite her occasional lapses in memory.
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In Nothing On, Dotty plays Mrs. Clackett, the housekeeper
Alley Actor:
Dylan Godwin*
Noises Off Character: Garry Lejeune
Traits: Anxious, insecure, well-meaning, romantic, often struggles with confidence.
Description: Garry is a young actor trying to prove himself. His nerves often get the best of him, especially when it comes to his romantic interest in Brooke.
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in Nothing On, Garry plays Roger Tramplemain, the romantic lead.
Alley Actor:
Christopher Salazar*
Noises Off Character: Fredrick Fellowes
Traits: Sensitive, romantic, somewhat oblivious, easily flustered, and has a tendency for melodrama.
Description: An actor with a flair for the dramatic, Frederick often overreacts to situations, leading to humorous misunderstandings.
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In Nothing On, Fred plays Philip, the other romantic lead.
Alley Actor
Chris Hutchison*
Noises Off Character: Tim Allgood
Traits: Overwhelmed, hardworking, good-natured, loyal, and often plays the peacemaker.
Description: The stage manager, Tim is often caught in the middle of the chaos. He is dedicated to the production and works tirelessly to keep things running smoothly.
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In Nothing On, Tim is the stage manager.
Alley Actor
David Rainey*
Noises Off Character: Selsdon Mowbray
Traits: Eccentric, forgetful, humorous, has a penchant for mischief, and provides comic relief.
Description: The aging actor, Selsdon is known for his quirky antics and often forgets his lines, adding to the comedic chaos of the play.
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In Nothing On, Selsdon plays The Burglar
Alley Actor:
Todd Waite*
Noises Off Character: Lloyd Dallas
Traits: Charismatic, stressed, authoritative, passionate about theatre, good at getting what he needs out of his actors.
Description: The director of the play, Lloyd is under immense pressure to get the production on its feet. He juggles the personalities of the cast while trying to maintain his own sanity.
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In Nothing On, Lloyd is the director.
Alley Actress:
Nicole Rodenburg
Noises Off Character: Brooke Ashton
Traits: Ambitious, flirtatious, self-absorbed, energetic, and occasionally naive.
Description: The leading lady of the production, Brooke is ambitious and has her sights set on stardom. Her charm and confidence can sometimes overshadow her awareness of others’ feelings.
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In Nothing On, Brook plays Vicki, the female lead.
Alley Actress:
Michelle Elaine*
Noises Off Character: Belinda Blair
Traits: Supportive, pragmatic, charming, diplomatic, and often acts as the voice of reason.
Description: Belinda is a calming presence in the rehearsal. She attempts to mediate conflicts and keep the cast focused on their shared goal.
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In Nothing On, Belinda plays Flavia.
Alley Actress
Melissa Molano*
Noises Off Character: Poppy Norton-Taylor
Traits: Enthusiastic, optimistic, slightly inexperienced, eager to please, and adaptable.
Description: The assistant stage manager, Poppy is enthusiastic and willing to learn, bringing an optimistic energy to the group despite her lack of experience.
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In Nothing On, Poppy is the assistant stage manager.
ALLEY FUN FACT
Alley Theatre is the only major American Theatre with a full-time, year-round Resident Acting Company (RAC). Noises Off features all 8 RAC members*, some of whom have been acting at the Alley for over 20 years!
4. FARCE 101
Noises Off is a type of comedy called a farce.
Chances are, even if you can't define "farce," you'd know it if you saw it. Think zany situations, slamming doors, things breaking. This clip from The Play that Goes Wrong, a show about a group of amateur actors trying their very best, is a great example.
What's one thing all farces have in common? No matter how silly the situation is to the audience, the characters all take it very seriously.
British is different, innit...
What do you think these terms mean? Take the quiz to test your understanding of some of the British expressions in the show.
Click here to see a pop-up guide of useful terms to know, so you don't feel like a "halfwit" when you come to the theatre.
5. TERMS IN THE PLAY
6. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without you! Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
