Review of Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright at New Theatre Oxford
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith brought their BAFTA-winning world to the stage last night, opening Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright in Oxford to a standing ovation.
True to form, the show is mischievous, macabre, and extremely funny, filled with sudden shocks that made the audience shriek with laughter. The curtain-raiser serves as a cheeky love letter—and a gentle warning—to theatre etiquette, making even the most experienced theatregoer think twice about rustling sweet wrappers or checking phones during the performance. This sets a tone that is sharp, clever, and delightfully edgy.
Stage/Fright combines black comedy and horror, blending new material with sly references to beloved TV episodes. Fans of “Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room” will even find a special moment, though no spoilers are revealed here.
The second story leans strongly into suspense, using backstage video footage to guide the audience through an eerie, empty theatre. Each creak and corridor sound builds tension masterfully.
One of the unique aspects of Stage/Fright is the inclusion of a surprise guest each night. Oxford’s opening featured Will Young, who enthusiastically joined the performance in pyjamas and a dressing gown, struggling to maintain a straight face as Pemberton and Shearsmith playfully teased him. He returned the favor with a cheeky story that nearly made them break character.
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith brought their BAFTA-winning world to the stage last night, opening Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright in Oxford to a standing ovation.
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.
He got his own back with a cheeky anecdote that nearly corpsed the pair.
Author’s summary: Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright delivers sharp, darkly comic thrills with fresh stories, a tense atmosphere, and entertaining surprise guests that leave audiences roaring.
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