Review of Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright earns a roaring ovation 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. As you’d expect, it’s mischievous, macabre, and very, very funny, peppered with jumpy little shocks that had the audience shrieking between laughs.

A deliciously naughty opening

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. It sets the tone: sharp, knowing and gloriously near-the-knuckle.

Two tales, one twisted bow

Built as a black comedy–horror play, Stage/Fright weaves together fresh material with sly nods to beloved TV episodes (there’s even a moment for “Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room” fans, no spoilers here). The second story leans harder into dread, using backstage video to lead us through an eerie, empty theatre, each creak and corridor tightening the tension.

Surprise guest chaos (Oxford edition: Will Young)

One of Stage/Fright’s great night-by-night treats is a different surprise guest. 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.

He got his own back with a cheeky anecdote that nearly corpsed the pair. Previous guests have included the likes of Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Alex Horne, Richard Osman, Matt Lucas, Pauline McLynn, David Walliams, Stewart Lee and more, so expect the unexpected.

A bow with a wink

The finale tips its hat, ever so warmly, to a classic Morecambe & Wise curtain-call, sending the crowd home grinning.

Cast & company

Alongside Pemberton and Shearsmith, the West End company return: Rebecca Bainbridge, Mark Extance, Gaby French, Miranda Hennessy, Bhav Joshi and Toby Manley, with Sarah Moyle and Sophie Suddaby completing the ensemble. It’s a slick, generous cast who know exactly how to ride a laugh and land a chill.

Verdict

Fans of the TV series will have a ball; newcomers will find a smart, self-contained night out that’s equal parts giggles and goosebumps. Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright is quirky, pacey and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.

Need to know

• Venue: New Theatre Oxford
• Run: Now playing, until Saturday
• Tickets: Limited availability; check the latest here:
  Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright — New Theatre Oxford

Note: Surprise guest appearances vary by performance.

Who are Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith?

Long-time collaborators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith first broke through with cult sketch–horror troupe The League of Gentlemen (alongside Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson), winning BAFTAs and a devoted following for their darkly comic world-building. They went on to co-create BBC’s Psychoville and the multi-award-winning anthology Inside No. 9, renowned for razor-sharp writing, genre playfulness, and twisty endings.

Beyond their writing partnership, both are prolific actors on stage and screen: Pemberton’s credits include Benidorm, Doctor Who, and Whitechapel, while Shearsmith has appeared in The League of Gentlemen specials, Doctor Who, Good Omens, and acclaimed theatre roles in the West End and beyond. Their shared calling card remains a uniquely British blend of humour, unease and heart—exactly what Stage/Fright delivers live.

Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright tour dates 2025