What has nine actors, seven doors and non-stop laughter?
That would be Noises Off, the latest Between Shifts Theatre production, opening Friday (Nov. 14) for four shows at the Eagle Eye Theatre.
The play, by Michael Frayn, is a highly popular British farce – a play within a play – that follows a troupe of mediocre actors putting on a sex comedy called Nothing On, according to Between Shifts director Linda Gardner.
“It was made into a movie starring Carol Burnett, John Ritter and Michael Caine,” she said. “It’s a bedroom farce with lots of fast action – people going in and out of doors – non-stop laughter and people getting caught with their pants down.”
Gardner said the production was similar to the troupe’s last play, the popular Calendar Girls (also directed by Gardner), in that it featured somewhat risqué material.
“Squamish seems to like risqué plays,” she said. “Calendar Girls drew people in that hadn’t been to the theatre before.”
So to keep Squamish audiences satisfied, Gardner said Between Shifts wanted to go “bigger and better” with its newest theatrical offering.
“It was a bit challenging with the stage direction due to the fast action and quick exit and entrances by the nine actors through seven different doors,” she said. “Even the actors find it a bit of a challenge. But I think people will really enjoy it and come for a good laugh. We are also hoping to run a food drive during the production, so people can bring food for the food bank to the performance. That way people are supporting both local theatre and the community at the same time.”
Between Shifts Theatre’s production of Noises Of runs at the Eagle Eye Theatre on November 14 to 15 and 19 to 22. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at BetweenShiftsTheatre.com or at Billie’s Boutique.
