Review of Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright at New Theatre Oxford
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith brought their BAFTA-winning work to the stage last night, opening Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright in Oxford to a standing ovation. The show is mischievous, macabre, and very funny, with sharp shocks that had the audience laughing and shrieking.
A Cheeky Tribute to Theatre Etiquette
The curtain-raiser acts as a playful love letter—and a gentle warning—to theatre manners, reminding even the most experienced attendees to avoid rustling wrappers or checking phones mid-performance. This opening sets a sharp, knowing, and near-the-knuckle tone for the evening.
An Engaging Black Comedy-Horror Experience
Stage/Fright combines new material with subtle nods to beloved TV episodes, including a special moment for fans of “Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room.” The second story builds tension through backstage video, guiding the audience through an eerie, empty theatre where every creak and corridor adds to the dread.
Surprise Guest Appearance
Each night offers a unique surprise guest; Oxford’s opening featured Will Young. Wearing pyjamas and a dressing gown, he joined the mischief onstage, struggling to keep a straight face as Pemberton and Shearsmith teased him. He returned the favor with a cheeky anecdote that almost made the pair break character.
“It’s mischievous, macabre, and very, very funny, peppered with jumpy little shocks that had the audience shrieking between laughs.”
“The curtain-raiser is a cheeky love letter (and a gentle threat!) to theatre etiquette that’ll make even the most seasoned theatregoer think twice about rustling a sweet wrapper or checking a phone mid-show.”
“Oxford’s opening performance featured Will Young, who gamely joined the fun in pyjamas and dressing gown, trying (and failing) to keep a straight face as Pemberton and Shearsmith circled him with mischief.”
Author’s summary: Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright delivers sharp humour and eerie suspense with clever theatre nods and lively surprise guests, earning a thrilled standing ovation in Oxford.