62 pages • 2 hours read
Michael FraynNoises Off
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1982A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Play: Drama
Play: Comedy / Satire
Relationships: Teams
Values/Ideas: Art
Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos