62 pages • 2 hours read
Noises Off
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Book Brief
184
Play • Fiction
British Theater • 1980s
1982
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Noises Off by Michael Frayn is a theatrical farce that follows the behind-the-scenes chaos of a stage production. Set against the primary narrative of a tacky play called "Nothing On," the story depicts the struggles of the cast and crew, including a director with a fiery temper, a scatterbrained leading lady, and myriad actors each grappling with various personal and professional failings.
Humorous
Playful
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
15,409 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Noises Off by Michael Frayn is celebrated for its intricate, fast-paced humor and clever play-within-a-play structure. Critics praise its masterful timing and physical comedy. However, some find the farcical nature overbearing and the characters lacking depth. The consensus is that it's a triumph of theatrical craftsmanship, albeit not everyone's comedic preference.
Who Should Read Noises Off?
Readers who enjoy Noises Off by Michael Frayn are likely fans of witty, fast-paced, and sophisticated farcical comedies. Comparable to those who appreciate the humor and chaotic energy in Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, they savor clever dialogue, mistaken identities, and theatrical mishaps.
15,409 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Noises Off is a play within a play, and it was inspired by Michael Frayn's own experiences backstage while watching a performance of another play he wrote called The Two of Us.
The title of the play, Noises Off, is a theatrical term that refers to sounds made offstage intended to be heard by the audience but not seen, cleverly reflecting the play's focus on backstage antics.
Michael Frayn reportedly came up with the idea for Noises Off when he was standing backstage thinking that the chaos behind the scenes was often more entertaining than the performance itself.
Noises Off is a play within a play, and it was inspired by Michael Frayn's own experiences backstage while watching a performance of another play he wrote called The Two of Us.
The title of the play, Noises Off, is a theatrical term that refers to sounds made offstage intended to be heard by the audience but not seen, cleverly reflecting the play's focus on backstage antics.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Michael Frayn reportedly came up with the idea for Noises Off when he was standing backstage thinking that the chaos behind the scenes was often more entertaining than the performance itself.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
184
Play • Fiction
British Theater • 1980s
1982
Adult
18+ years
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