Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright Great For Long Time Fans, Not So Much For Newcomers

Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright arrives in Woking after a successful West End run, bringing the popular BBC anthology series to the stage. Marketed as a darkly comic horror, the production ultimately offers a mixed experience, more intriguing in concept than in execution. As it’s a clever stage adaptation that rewards long-time fans but leaves newcomers in the dark.

Finding information about the production proved surprisingly difficult. Synopses were vague, and the trailer consisted solely of a title screen. While this approach suits those who enjoy entering a show blind, it can be frustrating for anyone wanting a clearer sense of what to expect.

The opening story delivered perhaps the most entertaining “no phones, no talking, and no loud noises” warning seen in a theatre, displaying a heightened reaction from an audience member when others failed to follow the rules. It cleverly established theatre etiquette in a humorous and memorable way.

The following story, which dominated the first act, struggled to maintain impact. Heavy reliance on celebrity name-dropping and references seemed aimed at existing fans of the television series, leaving newcomers with little connection to either story or characters. The “kidnapping sketch” included moments of seemingly improvised fun with a celebrity guest, though unfamiliarity with the guest reduced the overall effect. The pacing during this section occasionally felt uneven, with the first act stretching longer than necessary before the energy lifted noticeably in the second.

Despite being marketed as horror, the production contained few genuine scares. The second act proved more engaging, leaning more fully into horror while maintaining the signature meta tone that threads through the interconnected stories, all linked by the motif of a ghost haunting the theatre. The integration of a live camera tracking the performers added energy and originality, creating an inventive “found footage” atmosphere that elevated the experience.

While likely not aimed at audiences unfamiliar with Inside No. 9, those with prior knowledge of the series, who recognise the actors, characters, and particularly the very British references and humour, will likely find far more to enjoy. The rest of the audience responded warmly, laughing and reacting to references that didn’t quite land for newcomers, suggesting that Stage/Fright ultimately rewards fans who are already in on the joke.

★★★

Buy tickets here.

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith

Gifted press tickets

Photography provided