Preview: Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright Hits Sunderland Empire

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Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright Hits Sunderland Empire This September

Following its sold-out West End triumph, Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright—the wildly inventive, genre-blending stage adaptation by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith—is set to thrill audiences at Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 September 2025.

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

Why North-East Audiences Should Be Excited

• Genre-bending brilliance: Critics rave about the duo's seamless fusion of macabre comedy, theatrical mischief, and genuine frights. Financial Times praises the show as “another wildly clever, madly innovative and suddenly moving show” filled with theatrical Easter eggs and haunted meta-theatrical layers.

• A spooky love affair with theatre: Time Out describes it as “a twisted joy… a genuine love letter to the theatre,” where stage-within-a-stage antics meet classic variety, vaudeville, and Grand-Guignol thrills.

• Pure Inside No. 9 nostalgia: Fans will delight in live recreations—like the iconic Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room—alongside fresh, unpredictable storytelling.

• Theatrical thrills: From electrifying prologues (never has a theatre etiquette public service announcement been so violent!) to cleverly embedded jump scares, the show keeps you gripping your seat.

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

What’s Touring and Who’s Behind the Curtain

• UK Tour: After dazzling London, the production embarks on a major UK tour. Sunderland Empire welcomes the show 16–20 September 2025, followed by stops in Canterbury, Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and more.

• The Creators & Cast: Pemberton and Shearsmith, both acclaimed for Inside No. 9 and earlier work like The League of Gentlemen, wrote and continue to star in this stage version—directed by Simon Evans, with a talented ensemble including Anna Francolini, Miranda Hennessy, Rebecca Bainbridge, among others.

• Celebrity “hostages”: A beloved tradition continues—every performance features a surprise celebrity guest taken “hostage” on stage. The West End run included names like Stephen Fry, Matt Lucas, Lenny Henry, Rob Brydon, Bob Mortimer, Meera Syal, David Walliams, Emilia Fox, and many more.

• Olivier nomination: The production earned a nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play at this year’s Olivier Awards.

Steve Pemberton. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

Insider Insight from the Creators

In a Times interview, Pemberton and Shearsmith emphasized how deeply personal and collaborative the play felt—blending spontaneity and structure, comedy and farewell to their decade-long TV series. Pemberton humorously dismissed the idea of their tour as a “swan-song,” calling it “a load of bollocks” and inviting audiences to experience their theatrical send-off first hand.

Reece Shearsmith. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

North East Preview Summary

Why You Should Go	What to Expect
A rare UK tour stop in Sunderland	Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright runs from 16–20 Sept 2025
A perfect blend of horror, wit, theatre lore, nostalgia	Expect thrills, frights, surprises, and live celebrity cameos
Critical and fan acclaim	Sold-out West End run, Olivier-nominated, praised by FT, Time Out, Guardian
Live stage magic reimagining a cult TV favourite	Meta storytelling, theatrical illusions, Easter eggs, emotional resonance

Whether you're a die-hard Inside No. 9 fan or a lover of dark, unpredictable theatre — this tour stop is not to be missed. Sunderland, prepare for a night of deadpan levity, genuine chills, and theatrical delight with Pemberton, Shearsmith, and co.

Tickets: 

Available from official supplier ATG Tickets LINK