As a long standing fan of their first creation, The League of Gentlemen, I was delighted to be able to spend an evening filled with unexpected dance breaks, a song or two and of course lots of laughs.
An excited crowd, aged everything from 20s-60’s, created a real buzz at York Barbican on Friday 10 December 2021. Taking to the stage, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton flew straight into a dance – Crank That by Soulja Boy. Fans of theirs will recognise this from Inside No.9 episode Death be not Proud.
Lasting two acts, we were given lots of ‘insider’ information, including secrets on how characters were developed and how the duo push the boundaries of filming using a single shot for an episode or cut all dialogue.
When reminiscing about certain episodes, Shearsmith and Pemberton complimented each other, with their engaging tales and quick wit. They recalled how Jack Whitehall suffered motion sickness while filming La Couchette.
During talk of later series, Pemberton teased the audience that series seven will be released next year.
After a short break we re-entered the auditorium and were greeted by the pair, sporting wigs, singing I Know Him So Well from the musical Chess. The audience were in hysterics at their typical yet familiar absurdity.
My personal highlight of the show was, after many requests, the duo performing as Tubbs and Edward from The league of Gentlemen to much applause and cheers.
The audience delivered an eclectic set of questions ranging from what Pringle flavour would you be (Spicy Prawn for Reece as it burns the mouth out) to how to start writing scripts.
Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable evening for both old time fans and those just discovering the dark and twisted series.