The Owl 2019
Drama in School “NOISES OFF” Since my time as an Athenian boy in Roy Alcorn’s “Orestia” in 1970 until The Senior Dramatic Society’s, “Noises Off” this year, I have been involved in more than 40 school productions at BRA. Every one of them has been special in its own way but, I believe, Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” was the most difficult piece of theatre I have ever undertaken. West End and Broadway productions have impressed audiences with expensive revolving stages and stunning visual effects; we had to rely on seven second hand doors from Gumtree and a lot of elbow grease. However, I also had the privilege of working with nine of the most gifted young people I have come across in one year group.
Noises Off is a modern classic farce relying on impeccable timing, intricate use of stage props and an unparalleled
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awareness of where everyone is, both backstage and out front, at all times. This made the rehearsal process unbelievably difficult at times and on one occasion I had to simply cut the rehearsal short to get my head in order! Before I could confirm that this was indeed going to be the school play, I had to know that the young actors were capable of such a difficult enterprise. After two weeks of rehearsals it was clear that they were indeed up for it and I duly applied for the Right to Perform. To my horror, the licence was not available for an indefinite time and I had to go to the cast with the disappointing news. To their credit, none of them blamed me and even agreed to let me write a play about our experience. As a last ditch attempt to continue, I wrote to Michael Frayn’s agents and they graciously gave me permission to stage the play on the understanding that I did not advertise the show on social media. From then on it was a joy for me to work so closely with Sophie,
