Theatre review: Noises Off at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

This farce of a farce is definitely something different – but that is what we have come to expect from the Octagon. Once again it pushes back the boundaries with an ingenious concept, telling us the story of how a theatre company stages a farce and how it becomes a farce in more ways than one.

All that you would expect is there – trousers dropping, doors slamming and calamity striking in all kinds of ways. Don’t try to make any sense of it – just sit back and enjoy. That shouldn’t be too difficult if you enjoy your humour in the form of slapstick but if you don’t then I have my doubts.

What is not in doubt is that it is a brilliant concept brilliantly executed by an accomplished cast who put all their energy into it. Top marks to them all, particularly James Dutton who verges on being Fawlty-esque in his portrayal of Garry Lejeune.

The show has two 30-minute intervals because of the set changes which highlight the work of the stage management team and are worth watching in themselves.

The play runs until July 4th with tickets available on 01204-520661.