Fans of the hit anthology series Inside No. 9 are gearing up for one final farewell with the hour-long documentary Inside No. 9: The Party’s Over. Set to air on December 22, 2023, at 9 PM on BBC Two, this reflective special invites viewers behind the scenes as creators and stars Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith close the curtains on their beloved show.
“Endings are hard. We’ve always known endings are hard,” Pemberton states introspectively, hinting both at the challenge of wrapping up individual stories and the show itself. Inside No. 9 has captivated audiences through its unique blend of dark comedy and clever storytelling, spanning nine seasons and 55 episodes.
The documentary takes viewers through the making of the show’s concluding season, showcasing episodes like Boo to a Goose and Plodding On. Fans can expect to find not only laughs but also heartfelt moments as the creators share what made their partnership and the show special.
According to Radio Times, Pemberton emphasized the collaborative joy he finds with Shearsmith, noting how their dynamic eases the creative process. “One of the joys of working with another person is you don't feel alone... I think Reece is more of a glass-half-empty person than me,” he explained, acknowledging the ups and downs of their 30-year friendship and partnership.
The documentary reveals intriguing insights and trivia about the making of the show. For example, early working titles for Inside No. 9 included “No. 5” and “Behind Closed Doors,” titles distinctively different from the essence of the series. Sharing anecdotes from their early days of comedy, Pemberton and Shearsmith reminisce about their journeys, showing the growth of their craft and connection.
One particularly fascinating aspect features composer Christian Henson, who crafted the show’s iconic theme music. Originally intended to be performed by multiple musicians, Henson improvised the now-familiar eight-second pizzicato sting at the last minute. “Half of us have agreed we’re going to be making some form of documentary,” Pemberton acknowledges as they highlight various production details.
Footage recorded on personal devices by Pemberton and Shearsmith enriches the documentary experience, bringing viewers even closer to the day-to-day reality of the production. Interviews with guest stars, cast, and crew provide additional layers of insight, covering why they were drawn to the project and sharing their favorite moments.
Among the notable participants are Natalie Dormer, who portrayed multiple characters across different episodes, with her last appearance culminating dramatically as her character falls from the balcony during The Curse of the Ninth.
The documentary addresses the unique inspirations behind various episodes. For example, the story behind Donna Preston’s character Bev is rooted in actual events the creators experienced on set. The duo also revisits fan-favorite episodes such as Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room, where elements were inspired by their own early comedic acts.
While the documentary serves to honor the series, critiques of it spotlight how it might resonate differently depending on the viewer. David Craig from Radio Times notes the special’s appeal might skew more toward devoted fans, though casual viewers may find their interest wane without the broader narrative structure of Inside No. 9.
Despite mixed reviews on its engagement level, The Party’s Over is seen as the perfect tribute to fans eager to see behind the curtain of such innovative storytelling. Craig highlights scenes featuring Pemberton and Shearsmith discussing their unique comedic style, but others lament the segments could feel tedious at times.
Anticipation around the special's air date continues to build, alongside excitement for the live stage adaptation titled Stage/Fright, set for January 2025 at London’s Wyndham Theatre. Throughout the years of filming and writing, it’s clear Inside No. 9 has established itself not just as television entertainment but as an integral part of British comedic legacy.
With personal insights shared through the documentary, many hope this will not be the last glimpse they get of Pemberton and Shearsmith together. The duo's chemistry and distinctive storytelling style have, undoubtedly, created something quite special—one the audience will continue to revisit long after the final curtain falls.
To catch the documentary and reminisce about the unique blend of horror and humor encapsulated within Inside No. 9, tune in on December 22nd, or check it out on BBC iPlayer.
