Audience

by Michael Frayn

This amusing satire about audiences by the author of Noises Off, Copenhagen and other acclaimed plays takes place in the stalls (orchestra) of a West End theatre. The cast includes an usherette, audience members and a playwright in agony over crinkling candy wrappers, talking out loud, and inattention to his play. The characters in Michael Frayns metatheatrical comedy are actually watching the audience, expecting them to perform, and comedy ensues as Frayn holds a mirror up to the audience and they see their our own foibles as audience members.

Genres: Plays

54 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Michael Frayn is an English playwright and novelist. He is best known as the author of the farce Noises Off and the dramas Copenhagen and Democracy. His novels, such as Towards the End of the Morning, Headlong and Spies, have also been critical and commercial successes, making him one of the handful of writers in the English language to succeed in both drama and prose fiction. His works often raise philosophical questions in a humorous context. Frayn's wife is Claire Tomalin, the biographer and literary journalist.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun commentary on audience behavior pre-cell phone.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious commentary on audiences set in the 60s. Confusing to read but very funny to watch, would recommend reading aloud or seeing.

[Toni King · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it was terrible! And that is really disappointing since I love NOISES OFF! so much (written by the same playwright).... Maybe it's one of those you have to see to actually appreciate. I do understand that some plays are like that - no good when you simply read them, but when you see them acted out they're great! As it stands right now, though.... No, not recommended.