We’re so excited to welcome you back for Reading Theatre this fall! Our first gathering of the season takes place on October 8, when we’ll dive into the hilariously chaotic world of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off. Reading begins at 2pm so please show up by 1:45pm if you wish to have a chance to read.
Download a PDF copy here, or bring your own if you have it.
ABOUT NOISES OFF
Noises Off is a masterfully crafted comedy that takes you on a wild ride behind the scenes of a theatre company’s disastrous production of a farce called Nothing On. As the eccentric cast navigates forgotten lines, misplaced props, and personal feuds, their performances become increasingly chaotic, with doors slamming shut at the wrong moments, sardines going missing, and romantic entanglements causing tension. SARDINES!
For those of you lucky enough to see the Arts Club’s production of Noises Off at Massey Theatre in 2022, you know what a delightful romp this play is. This is a chance for readers to put their own spin on these characters.
ABOUT MICHAEL FRAYN
Michael Frayn was born in London in 1933. He began his career as a reporter for the Guardian and later the Observer. After leaving the Observer he continued to write as a columnist as well as publishing novels and plays for television and stage.
His plays for stage include Copenhagen, After Life, The Two of Us, Alphabetical Order, Donkeys’ Years, Clouds, Balmoral (Liberty Hall), Make and Break, Noises Off, Benefactors, Alarms and Excursions, Look Look, Here and Make and Break. Other translations include four full-length Chekhov plays (The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, The Seagull and Uncle Vanya) and four one-act plays (The Evils of Tobacco, Swan Song, The Bear and The Proposal).
Reading Theatre is created for those with a passion for live theatre. A live play reading of iconic plays over the ages. All are welcome and encouraged — from the seasoned professional to the inquisitive amateur and everyone in between.
Show up and read, or listen to others read these incredible shows. A short discussion may take place…or not. This is an event led by the cast and audience.
Readers will be chosen just before the play reading begins and will be cast by those who show up and express an interest in being involved. Some roles may be double cast.
This event is being led by Allan Morgan, Senior Artist in Residence and Vancouver theatre scene stalwart. We’d love to see you there!
ABOUT ALLAN MORGAN
Allan has been a stage actor for more than thirty years. Some highlights include appearing in London, GB, Adelaide Australia, Wellington NZ and San Francisco, all with The Overcoat. He appeared for several seasons at Bard on the Beach, notably in The Tempest as Prospero, as well as King John, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing.
He has toured across Canada with the Electric Company in Studies in Motion. He has appeared at The Belfry, notably in The Drawer Boy, Dirty Blonde, and I am My Own Wife for which he received the Victoria Critic’s Award for best performance. Other favourites include Red, Thinking of Yu, and Abraham Lincoln Goes to the Theatre for ATP in Calgary.
Allan has two solo plays: I Walked the Line; and Pride: for the young gay, the ungay and the jaded queen in all of us.
