Download NOISES OFF

NOISES OFF
Character Descriptions
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Noises Off is unique in that a lot of the characters in this show actually have multiple roles – because the play is about a
group of theatre people doing a play. So, the “actors” in the play actually have two characters to play – the actor and the
character – if this doesn’t confuse you, I don’t know what will. Some of the characters, however, only play one – because
they serve as the backstage personnel of the company the story revolves around. In any case, dialects will be fun because
the “actors” have two dialects, the one the have outside the theatre and the other their character possesses. Are you still
with me.
Dialects are NOT required for the tryout, but are also not discouraged.
Also, Noises Off is essentially an ensemble show. Almost all of the characters have featured and unfeatured moments
throughout the show. Although some characters have more “lines” than the others, the sense that this is an ensemble
show is very prominent in its structure.
LLOYD DALLAS – Director of the Production – a full-of-himself but elegant British man who lives with a serious God-complex;
he thinks he has all the answers and that most of the people he surrounds himself with are beneath him; his wit and intellect are the
only thing that keeps him above the fray (or so he thinks); his calm and controlled world begins to crumble when his secret liaisons
with the stage manager are made public; he being s a slow descent into true humility by the end of the show.
DOTTY OTLEY – Plays Mrs. Clackett – the old stand-by actress of the company who is far past her prime, but whose loveable
spirit keeps rehearsals both afloat and chaotic since she frequently forgets her lines; she was probably once the cream of the theatre
world, but has seen much better days. Mrs. Clackett (the maid she portrays) is a very over-the-top cockney farcical character who
thinks she knows everything.
GARRY LEJEUNE – plays Roger Tramplemain – OCD candidate for the shrink couch who seems quite nervous and flippant
when not in character; always is in the mood to butt-kiss the director but often finds himself the butt end of the jokes. Roger is a
schmoozing real estate agent type who bites off way more than he can chew when he tries to seduce Vicki; huge physical demands
in this role.
BROOKE ASHTON – plays Vicki – sort of air-head southern belle or valley girl whose past theatrical experiences are probably
roadside dinner theatre and bingo halls; very appropriate young leading lady type who might have slept her way to the top. Vicki
is the spunky loving secretary type who both lives life to the fullest and probably doesn’t mind a bit of a roll in the hay with the
boss.
FREDERICK FELLOWS – plays both Phillip Brent and the Sheikh – is the method actor who is far more serious about his craft
than most but whose talent probably doesn’t match; always wants to know the meaning and motivation behind everything and
whose style gets on a lot of people’s nerves. Phillip is the overly stuffy lawyer type who always seems to be in the wrong place at
the wrong time and is often caught in situations way beyond his control and not of his doing. Huge physical humor requirements.
BELINDA BLAIR – plays Flavia Brent – the “good girl” of the group who’s always there when someone needs her but whose
anger just below the surface when something goes wrong is what motivates most around her to tip toe on eggshells. Flavia is the
overly jealous strong-willed British matriarch whose hair style probably hasn’t changed in three decades.
SELSDON MOWBRAY – plays the Burglar – a way-past-his-prime old timer who is either deaf, dead or suffering from dementia,
and probably all at the same time. Hysterical character with limited stage time who always seems to make the wrong entrance but
whose presence in the company is probably a thank you payback for years of surface. Loveable but completely out of his element.
POPPY NORTON TAYLOR – the assistant stage manager of the play within the play – the overly stressed backstage coordinator
who is never seen without unless there’s some crisis on stage. Her backstage dealings with the director lead to some of the best
physical humor during the latter portions of the show. Forthright and honest, a decent theatre person, but someone caught up in
both older-man worship and too many irons in the fire.
TIM ALLGOOD – the jack-of-all trades of the company who can fix anything any time. Dependable and everyone’s best friend.
He is pressed into service as the Burglar when Selsdon goes missing only to find he at first hates the stage, but then falls in love
with it. However, the final act proves his real home is probably backstage.