Theatrical TV - Stage/Fright

 

Ok, here we go, just a little excited for this one. I was waiting until the end of the run of this (Olivier nominated!*) show to discuss it but started working on this before the tour was announced so just a heads up that this will contain spoilers. For those who may not know, 'Stage/Fright' was the 'Inside No.9' play that just finished a three month run in the West End.

I was even lucky enough to (very briefly) meet the gents at the stage door afterwards*. That was a tad surreal, tbh, still feels like a beautiful blur. I had no idea what to say to them or how to function in that moment, though, of course. I'm still not really sure what you even say to such captivating performers and brilliant minds (and pretty brilliant people generally, by all accounts). I felt extra overwhelmed by it, given that they're famous and such a huge inspiration/influence creatively. What do you even do when faced with the creators of a show that's meant so much to me and helped get me through several significant low points? In some ways, it was more than fine that it was such a fleeting moment at stage door as, while I was already cringing and regretting what I said/didn't say immediately afterwards, hopefully I didn't show myself up (too much). I mean, I think I literally gasped a bit when they first came on stage, never mind actually interacting with them.

 I mean! 😢❤

It was quite a journey getting there as I'd been looking forward to going for so long but it didn't get off to the best start with the train being cancelled that morning. It was all fine in the end, thankfully, but, like probably many No.9 fans, I can't hear the train slogan, 'See it, say it, sorted' in the same way ever again. 

To take it back to the live show itself, it's important to stress that they're collaborative, generous writers and performers with lots of great scenes/material for the fab supporting cast as well. In fact, I'd particularly like to shout out the incredible performances from Gaby French and Miranda Hennessy (who both appeared in the TV series) as they were fantastic in the play and really shone. They had some great scenes together (and with the whole cast) and more than held their own with their comedic timing and in the dramatic/horror scenes. In fact, Gaby French even replied to a comment that I put on Instagram so that was pretty incredible as well. :) I hadn't seen the other ensemble cast members in anything before but they all really delivered and gave wonderful performances.

Without giving away too much, in case anyone is seeing it for the first time this autumn, the show was a real treat. Full of surprises and unexpected turns but it definitely wasn't surprising how clever and funny it was. The second half went more for the horror side (with a meta play within a play plot), whereas the first half referenced a very special episode of the series (one I've written a blog about, in fact) with a surprise guest making an appearance...

Even the opening part about not using phones during the show was entertaining and tied into the rest of the play and the beautifully theatrical finale was fantastic as well. There were plenty of references and nods to the show but it still very much felt like its own thing that you could enjoy without knowing the series. Even the atmosphere in the theatre (including the queue in the bathroom) was electric and full of kindness and genuine appreciation of the amazing writers/performers and their work.

Thanks for reading. I hope that you enjoyed the show if you saw it and if you're able to get to a performance this autumn, I really recommend going to see it, if you can.

Have a great week.

* Robbed of the award though, they def should have won. <3

**They came out almost immediately after the show, bless them, even after giving their all on stage. I waited in the SD queue with Wendy, the very kind family friend who came to the show with me, and it's fair to say that they really are just about the loveliest men that you could ever meet. (not at all biased as a big fan but it's the truth). 🥹😅