Review by Daz Gale
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There has been a growth in stage shows based on television series hitting the West End stage in recent years. We’ve already had Fawlty Towers and Only Fools and Horses but now it is the turn of another TV favourite as Inside No. 9 moves into the Wyndham’s Theatre for the world premiere of Stage/Fright. With the original stars of the series appearing on stage, would the success of the show translate into this new medium or would it prove to be a horror show?
First broadcast in 2014, Inside No. 9 was an anthology series with each episode a self-contained story featuring new characters. The series came to an end last year after 9 series and 55 episodes but lives on in Stage/Fright. Combining comedy and horror with a dramatic script, it sees familiar characters and stories from the series mix with brand new material.
This is a show that shouldn’t be spoiled in any way and people have even been asked not to share certain spoilers from the show in their reviews, so before you read on I want to reassure you this is a safe space and your enjoyment of the show will not be spoiled in any shape or form… though I’ll also try not to be completely vague in my review! What I can reveal plot-wise is that Stage/Fright is very much theatre-focused, drawing inspiration from real stories of the ghosts who are said to haunt theatres, including the Wyndham’s Theatre itself. Each act has a seemingly standalone story, although be prepared for them to tie in together in ways you could never predict.
Inside No. 9 is known for its exceptional writing with each story revealing a twist that changes everything. That is true of Stage/Fright which also continues their trend of riffing on Chekhov’s Gun principle with a payoff I would never have seen coming. A mix of comedy and horror, these two genres each get to dominate in their own act. Act one is focused largely on comedy with a smattering of horror elements thrown in while Act two ramps up the horror, and pulls it off better than most other attempts I have seen in other shows.
Responsible for this are the unstoppable double act of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith. With an uncanny knack for comedy, they have written something that isn’t just riotously funny throughout but also deeply intelligent with the layers in their writing shining through on the stage. There was always the danger that their successful formula wanted be able to be repeated in this new medium but it translates effortlessly, bringing something new to the mix while feeling comfortably familiar . Their attention to detail in the writing and execution of Stage/Fright is what makes it so compelling with even the seemingly most inconsequential of moments serving a greater purpose later on.
Pemberton and Shearsmith also star in the show, taking on a variety of characters and showing their undeniable skills and comic prowess. It is the chemistry and camaraderie between the two that makes Stage/Fright such an unforgettable experience with their screen partnership all the more resonating when recreated on the stage, leading to a magical dynamic. They aren’t alone on the stage though and even step aside for a large part of Act Two to let their co-stars take the spotlight with Miranda Hennessy absolutely scene-stealing during this story and Anna Francolini getting some standout moments herself.
The use of theatre as a central theme in Stage/Fright has proven to be a stroke of genius, setting the bar impossibly high with what I am calling the greatest opening to any show in the West End at the moment. With a theme of theatre etiquette and playing on disruptive audience members, I won’t spoil what transpires but it left me at serious risk of my sides splitting. The theatre references are also peppered throughout with nods to 2.22 A Ghost Story and Opening Night. It is when the show goes a bit Jamie Lloyd that it is at its best for theatre references though, playing up to the growing trend of live filming and turning it up a notch in a sequence that is all a bit Blair Witch.
There is plenty on offer here for fans of the TV show to love, with a plethora of Easter eggs and callbacks to the show thrilling the audience. Crucially though, you don’t need to have seen the TV show to enjoy this. I must confess to having only ever dabbled with a few episodes of the series but it didn’t stop me from loving Stage/Fright as much as the person next to me who may have consumed all the episodes 9 times over. As an added chapter for anyone who loves Inside No. 9 but just a fantastically good play for anyone who wants a fun night in the theatre.
Simon Evans directs the play with flair, finding ways to bring Pemberton and Shearsmith’s writing and ideas to life in increasingly creative and dynamic ways. Grace Smart’s set design transforms the stage multiple times, allowing for plenty of fun to be had with its reveals and transitions. The use of illusions from John Bulleid and special effects from Dan Martin brings a sense of magic to the production, while Duncan Mclean’s video and Neil Austin’s lighting prevent Stage/Fright from ever running the risk of being boring.
There is so much more I would like to talk about with this show but to do so would be to spoil it massively. The twists, turns and huge surprises need to be seen to be believed and are best experienced yourself – the less you know about this show, the better. One surprise moment is different at each performance meaning each show will be slightly unique to that audience, which is a good thing as I would quite happily watch this show a further 9 times. Wickedly funny and impressively clever, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith really have made theatrical magic with Stage/Fright in a show that should be loved by insiders and outsiders alike. The perfect example in how to translate a television series for the stage, may the ghost of this wonderful show continue to haunt the theatre long after its run has finished.
Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright plays at Wyndham’s Theatre until 5th April but is currently sold out.
Check www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk for any returns
Photos by Marc Brenner