Bursledon Players - Noises Off Bursledon Village Hall

FROM the wittily written and designed programme to the cleverly constructed set, Bursledon Players' version of Michael Frayn's popular Noises Off is produced and directed with humour and assurance.

This very amusing comedy - about a comedy, Nothing On, being tortuously rehearsed and shambolically performed - creates laughter on many levels, from farce and slapstick to subtle innuendo and dramatic irony.

Nine accomplished actors, all obviously and infectiously relishing the mayhem, entertain consistently through all three acts as the play stumbles through its tetchy dress rehearsal, deteriorating hilariously in its manic matinee, and disintegrating gloriously in its final "performance".

Simon Goodison excels as the increasingly desperate and demented director, while all the luvvies pout, bicker, rant, booze and cry, but ultimately perform in their own individual and realistic way. Sharp timing and direction, comedic props (especially the telephone) and a variety of underwear combine to produce a sparkling show. Ends tonight.

Brendan McCusker