 Noises Off requires a setting that is a revelation, in
several ways. First, it must look like the two-story interior design of a fabulous English
manor house with no less than seven functional doors, a staircase with a banister and
mid-level landing, and a banistered balcony. Second, the audience discovers in Act I that
this impressive English manor house is actually a set in a “play” that is being
lovingly rehearsed one night before opening. Then, in Act II, the entire set must revolve
to reveal a performance of the same “play” from the dark “backstage”
world (where the “actors” already despise each other, get drunk, threaten
mayhem, and try with varying degrees of success to negotiate the doors, stairs, and ruined
love affairs. For Act III, the entire set must revolve again to reveal a final performance
of the same “play” where “sardine” messes accumulate, a door handle
comes off with the door jammed shut, and “injuries” occur including a
“fall” down the entire staircase. All of the doors (front and back) and the
staircases (front and back) must be in distance relationships that allow the action (front
and back ) to fit in perfect timing with the dialogue.
Top | Table of Contents | Home
|
