Inside No. 9 - Stage/Fright

Review by Sam

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Steve Pemberton & Reece Shearsmith’s award winning black comedy anthology series is brought to life at the Wyndham's Theatre for a limited run.

Blending comedy and horror within a dramatic script that's full of more twists than an M. Night Shamaylan movie, Stage/Fright is the final outing of the much loved TV series which closed its door for the final time after 9 series last year. Much like the series itself, the plot of the show is shrouded in secrecy, but if like me you are a huge fan of the TV show... prepare to expect the unexpected, as Pemberton & Shearsmith unleash their signature style onto a theatrical setting.

Both stars are without a doubt some of this countries greatest black comedy horror writters, and their latest project showcases this at every availble avenue, in a creatively astonishing production that's littered with easter eggs for fans of their work. Aside from these hidden bonuses, the core of the show itself fully weaponises its setting and uses this to its strength, ensuring to balance both the stage and fright elements in equal measure. They poke fun at other West End productions, particularly the recent trend for on stage cameras, before using these features to terrify.

Director Simon Evans has masterfully handled this carefully crafted script, realising key moments and episodes live on stage whilst ensuring that the signature ominous tone never waivers. Genius illusions from John Bulleid and special effects from Dan Martin, ensure that thes new stories are brought to life with chilling effect, allowing the show to live up to its title. The first act focuses on the stage element, opening with one of the most hysterically inventive theatre announcements I've seen, before quickly jumping into the fright side more-so in the second act, as Ed Lewis' soundscape terrifies audiences with a multitude of jump scares.

Stage/Fright is the perfect send off to a much loved series for both fans and theatre lovers alike. It perfectly blends horror with comedy in a show which much like the TV series, saves the the biggest twist of them all for the very end...