S54 03 Noises Off Notes
Noises Off Director's Notes: From Dave McIntosh
Well here we go – visiting theatrical boundaries where others fear to tread. We are staging a play that, it has been said, could never be put on at LLT with the stage configuration as it exists or with the pool of actors we have available. The play itself presents a multitude of difficulties. Firstly, and most importantly, we needed a dedicated cast of highly proficient performers most of whom were fit enough to overcome the constant and rapid movement of not just farce but this farce, Noises Off. Also, we needed a fearless production team willing to face the almost impossible task of presenting our actors with a workable platform on which they could perform.
These notes are written several weeks prior to opening and we are all struggling with the co-ordination of short fast dialogue, well timed entrances and exits, and the handling of a myriad of props whilst trying to bring some sanity to an insane piece of theatre. When you watch it, you will see what I mean! By the time you read this we may, or may not be ready. Hopefully, we will be on cruise control.
I give special mention to Ann Swiston my assistant director, Win my stage manager wife and to all of our brave production team. But huge accolades must go to Ruth Kear for her set design and Earl Schenk and his team for constructing this complicated and monster set.
Please have fun – we are and we did!