If you’ve ever watched a performance and wondered what happens just out of sight — the frantic whispers, the misplaced props, the barely-averted disasters — Needham Community Theatre (NCT) is about to pull back the curtain. And what’s behind it is absolutely, gloriously unhinged.

NCT's upcoming production is Noises Off, the classic backstage farce by acclaimed British playwright Michael Frayn, running May 8–16, 2026 at Carleton Auditorium at Newman School, 1155 Central Ave, Needham, MA 02492.

First performed in London’s West End in 1982, Noises Off has earned its place as one of the funniest plays ever written. The show follows a ragtag touring theatre company as they muddle through rehearsals, performances, and the spectacular implosion of their personal lives — all while sardines, bouquets of flowers, and slamming doors threaten to bring the whole production to its knees. It’s a comedy about putting on a comedy, and it delivers laughs at a pace that will leave audiences breathless.

The ensemble to this production:

• Oonagh Delaney as Dotty/Mrs. Clackett
• Andrew Rhodes as Lloyd
• Camryn Hafner as Brooke/Vicki
• Madison Canfora as Poppy
• Christopher Moore as Frederick/Philip
• Anne Krane as Belinda/Flavia
• Ilan Barzilay as Tim
• Dennis Hurley as Selsdon/Burglar
• Justin Maloney as Garry/Roger

The production is directed by John Pease and produced by Michael Bailit, Patrick French, and Dan Henderson. Performances are:

• Friday, May 8 — 8:00 PM
• Saturday, May 9 — 8:00 PM
• Sunday, May 10 — 2:00 PM (matinee)
• Friday, May 15 — 8:00 PM
• Saturday, May 16 — 2:00 PM (matinee) and 8:00 PM

Tickets can be purchased at ticketstage.com/T/NCT