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'Everything literally goes wrong' in comedy coming to Ipswich

A "wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy" about a chaotic touring theatre company is heading to the New Wolsey Theatre in May.

Why it matters: The production of Michael Frayn's "Noises Off" marks the New Wolsey Theatre's first ever international collaboration, co-producing with Queen's Theatre Hornchurch, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and Theatre by the Lake.

The details: The comedy takes the audience behind the curtain of a chaotic touring theatre company's desperate attempt to stage a show, "trying to maintain their composure whilst everything quite literally goes wrong."

  • The show will run from 1-24 May

  • Ticket prices range from £15 to £32

  • Age guidance is 12+

Noises Off poster
A "wildly hilarious, fast-paced comedy" about a chaotic touring theatre company is heading to the New Wolsey Theatre in May(New Wolsey Theatre)

Behind the scenes: The production will feature a cast of nine actors:

  • Hisham Abdel Razek as Frederick Fellowes

  • Ezra Alexander as Tim Allgood

  • Clare-Louise English as Belinda Blair

  • George Kemp as Garry Lejeune

  • Harry Long as Lloyd Dallas

  • Hilary Maclean as Dotty Otley

  • Russell Richardson as Selsdon Mowbray

  • Ailsa Joy as Brooke Ashton

  • Gemma Salter as Poppy Norton

The production also includes understudies Mollie Manning and Yani Green.

What they're saying: Douglas Rintoul, Director of "Noises Off" and Chief Executive/Artistic Director of the New Wolsey Theatre, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with such a brilliant company on this comedy masterpiece. It's a joyful celebration of theatrical virtuosity – a true love letter to the craft of acting and to theatre itself. I've been a huge fan of Michael Frayn's work for years – having directed Copenhagen early in my career - and I'm delighted to now get my hands on this all-time comic belter. This show promises to bring huge joy to audiences across the UK and beyond."

What's next: After opening at the New Wolsey Theatre, "Noises Off" will tour to Queen's Theatre Hornchurch (28 May-7 June), Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg (13-15 June), and Theatre by the Lake (25 June-26 July).

The bottom line: Tickets for the Ipswich performances can be booked at wolseytheatre.co.uk, by calling 01473 295900, or by visiting the Box Office. Audio description and captioning will be available on selected dates.

You can read it for free thanks to the generous support of Kingsfleet and PLMR Genesis

Despite a lack of promotion, the big reveal drew a good crowd of passersby

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