Reece Shearsmith

Inside No. 9 - Every detail is perfectly pitched

Maybe I'm overreacting to the fact that the new year hasn't meant a collapse in the quality of comedy around, but I just found last night's Inside No. 9 such a rich and delightful confection of nostalgia, parody and reflection that I am yet to get over it.

Inside No 9 series 4 episode 2 review

Last week, Inside No. 9 delivered a joyous, life-affirming piece of sentiment, so it's somewhat startling to see that for episode two of the fourth series, the dark shadows are still being held at bay.

These self-contained episodes co-written by and starring Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith are often dark, as befits their League of Gentlemen pedigree. This one is too, in its way, but its also moving and very sweet in the tribute it pays to an expired mode of popular comedy. The duo star as Len and Tommy, AKA "Cheese And Crackers", light entertainers who split up 30 years ago reuniting one last time, despite recrimination and the divergent paths they've taken.

No room for improvement Inside No.9

When the triumphant return of The League Of Gentlemen just before Christmas was swiftly followed by last week's truly majestic episode of Inside No. 9, I thought Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton would never be able to top either. Then tonight's Inside No. 9 came along and I decided to give up the predictions game.

Inside No. 9: Series 4, Episode 2 - review

A collection of props from a wicker basket No. 9 provide this rather sad tale about an old comedy double act.

Inside No 9 review: a beautiful and poignant piece

A quietly absorbing half hour that wrings pathos from every pore.

Review: Inside No. 9 series 4 episode 2

Inside No. 9 continues on excellent form with this bittersweet play about a lost showbusiness friendship.

Review: Inside No. 9 - Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room

Although there are a few funny moments - such as when Operation Yewtree intercedes one of their routines or the slapstick elements of their Brown Bottles sketch - this tale isn't as funny as others have been, but it tells an earnest story that is only made more sincere by the performances put in by Shearsmith and Pemberton.

Inside No.9 review: Series Four: 'Zanizbar'

Inside No. 9's series four opener is an exhilarating diversion, a playful and fanciful delight, but as one of Pemberton & Shearsmith's most purely pleasurable 9's yet, 'Zanzibar' may be the lightest of confections but is definitely no mere trifle.

TV: Inside No. 9 - Series 4, Episode 2

Are Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton going soft? The consistently excellent Inside No. 9 has a reputation for sending chills down the spine but after last week's rather lovely Shakespearean opener they gone a bit sentimental this week.