Psychoville

Last updated

Psychoville
Psychoville titles.jpg
Title card from the second series
Genre
Created by Reece Shearsmith
Steve Pemberton
Written byReece Shearsmith
Steve Pemberton
Directed by Matt Lipsey
StarringSteve Pemberton
Reece Shearsmith
Daniel Kaluuya
Dawn French
Eileen Atkins
Imelda Staunton
Jason Tompkins
Lisa Hammond
Theme music composer Joby Talbot
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes14
Production
Executive producer Jon Plowman
ProducerJustin Davies
Running time30mins
Original release
Network BBC Two
Release18 June 2009 (2009-06-18) 
6 June 2011 (2011-06-06)
Related
The League of Gentlemen
Inside No. 9

Psychoville is a British psychological horror-thriller black comedy mystery television series created and written by and starring The League of Gentlemen members Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton for the BBC. It debuted on BBC Two on 18 June 2009. Pemberton and Shearsmith each play numerous characters, with Dawn French, Jason Tompkins, Daniel Kaluuya and Eileen Atkins in additional starring roles. The first series was followed by a Halloween special, broadcast on 31 October 2010, which saw Imelda Staunton and Jason Watkins added to the main cast. The second series was first broadcast on 5 May 2011 [2] and ended on 6 June. Reece Shearsmith has said that there will not be a third series. [3] In February 2020, Shearsmith and Pemberton's follow-up series, Inside No. 9 , crossed over with Psychoville and brought back five of the characters for the episode "Death Be Not Proud". [4]

Contents

Premise

The series revolves around five different characters from different parts of England: David Sowerbutts (played by Pemberton), a serial killer-obsessed man-child who still lives with his mother Maureen (Shearsmith); Mr. Jelly (Shearsmith), an embittered one-handed children's entertainer; Oscar Lomax (Pemberton), a blind millionaire who collects stuffed toy animals; Joy Aston (French), a midwife who treats a practice doll as if it is her real child; and Robert Greenspan (Tompkins), a panto dwarf in love with his Snow White who believes he has the power of telekinesis. All five are connected by a mysterious blackmailer who has sent them a letter each with the message: "I know what you did". The series is named after the title given to The League of Gentlemen when the series was sold to Japan and Korea. [5]

Plot

The series features a diverse set of five characters who live in different parts of England, all of whom have been blackmailed by the same individual (referred to in the credits for episode seven as "Black Gloved Man"), who has given them each a letter with the message "I know what you did…" [6] [7] [8] [9] In the second episode, the blackmailer leaves them a second message that reads, "You killed her". In the third episode they receive a videotape showing them in an asylum together (several having previously revealed that they had been institutionalised) performing "Close Every Door" from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . It is later disclosed that the institution was called Ravenhill Hospital. In Episodes Five and Six, the characters discover the final message: a key depicting a raven. At least David's letter also contains the message "I'm waiting...".

Ultimately it is revealed that Joy, Robert, David and Oscar were involved in the death of Nurse Edwina Kenchington (Eileen Atkins), who is the blackmailer's mother. The blackmailer is Dr. Stuart Strachen, a surgeon, who is also known as Mr. Jolly. Jolly blackmailed Jelly whom he blamed most, as he was operating on Jelly's hand (which was later amputated after the operation went wrong) while Kenchington was dying. David knocked her over and Joy pronounced her dead. The group started a fire to cover their tracks, but Kenchington woke up and attempted to escape. Oscar, Joy and Robert prevented her from leaving the room she was trapped in, but she somehow survived and returns to Ravenhill in the final episode looking for her locket. At the end of the series, Mr Jolly blows up part of the asylum with most of the main characters and Kenchington inside and it is revealed that Robert has the locket.

Series two begins with Mr Jelly, Oscar, and Oscar's assistant Michael, aka "Tealeaf" (A slang term for thief), attending the funeral of Mr Jolly. Afterwards, Jelly is given a box of Jolly's props, which also turns out to contain Strachen's mobile phone and his ID card at Andrews Nanotech. Posing as Mr Jolly, Mr Jelly discovers that Strachen was using his surgical skills to deal in the black market organ trade, and that Kenchington had an account with a cryogenic storage facility where her late father Ehrlichmann's head was kept frozen. Meanwhile, Andrews Nanotech has hired a police detective to retrieve Kenchington's locket by any means necessary. Robert gives the locket to Debbie for safekeeping, but after Robert's death, Debbie gives it away to make-up lady Hattie. Detective Finney tracks down the former Ravenhill patients, questioning, then killing, Joy, Robert, and Oscar, and attempting to kill Mrs Wren. Oscar's friend, toyshop owner Peter Bishop, deduces that Oscar was killed for his connection to Ravenhill. He enlists Tealeaf's help with his investigation and they successfully retrieve the locket from Hattie before Finney can get to it, and contact Mr Jelly, whose own investigations have resulted in him taking possession of Ehrlichmann's frozen head. Bishop kills Tealeaf and travels to London with Mr Jelly to attempt to sell the locket and head to Grace Andrews. It is revealed that the method for restoring a frozen head to life, worked out by Edwina Kenchington, was microscopically engraved on the links of the locket chain, and using this information, Andrews' team is able to bring Erlichmann's head back to life. The head is subsequently destroyed, but the technique has been proven to work. The series ends with the revelation that David Sowerbutts is storing the corpse of his mother Maureen (who has died of cancer) in a bathtub filled with ice, suggesting that she could be resurrected by the same technique.

Web presence

Shearsmith and Pemberton collaborated with Rob and Neil Gibbons to produce fictional web content to accompany the show including an interactive treasure hunt. [10] Fake websites and promotional websites were created for many of the characters to allow viewers of the programme to get "an overall Psychoville experience."

A new Psychoville Experience was created for series two, with a new interface and a selection of new fictional websites released after each episode. Viewers were asked to find a number each week and input them into a keypad to unlock a 'secret chamber' at the end of the series. The chamber once opened reveals the revived head of the Nazi Doctor Ehrlichmann (Kenchington's father). Five questions are asked and a certain amount correct gets you a free 'freeze and reanimation ticket' from CG Medistore and andrewsnanotech to print out. The websites were again written by Shearsmith and Pemberton. [11]

Cast

The main characters in the first series of Psychoville (left to right): Joy Aston, Oscar Lomax, Mr Jelly (back), Robert Greenspan (front), David Sowerbutts and Maureen Sowerbutts. Psychoville.jpg
The main characters in the first series of Psychoville (left to right): Joy Aston, Oscar Lomax, Mr Jelly (back), Robert Greenspan (front), David Sowerbutts and Maureen Sowerbutts.

Principal characters

ActorCharacterNo. of
Episodes
Notes
Reece Shearsmith Mr Jelly12Children's Entertainer
Maureen Sowerbutts12David's mother
Brian MacMillan4"Evil Queen" in Snow White
Jeremy Goode6Obsessive Librarian
The Silent Singer6Appears to Jeremy when something bad is happening
Phil Walker1TV location scout
John Christie 1Appears to David in a vision
Steve Pemberton David Sowerbutts14Ex-Ravenhill resident
Oscar Lomax8Ex-Ravenhill resident
George Aston9Joy's husband
Hattie5Shahrouz's blackmailing wife
Judge Pennywise1Clown in Mr Jelly's nightmare
Daniel Kaluuya Michael "Tealeaf" Fry13Oscar's home help
Dawn French Joy Aston9Midwife, ex-Ravenhill resident
Jason Tompkins Robert Greenspan9"Blusher" in Snow White, ex-Ravenhill resident
Eileen Atkins Edwina Kenchington9Nurse at Ravenhill Hospital
Imelda Staunton Grace Andrews7Wants Kenchington's locket
Vilma Hollingbery Claudia Wren6Care home resident and Jelly's assistant

Supporting cast

ActorCharacterNo. of
Episodes
Notes
Lisa Hammond Kerry9"Sniffy" in Snow White
Daisy Haggard Debbie Hart7"Snow White" in Snow White
Daniel Ings Kelvin7Grace's assistant
Adrian Scarborough Mr Jolly6 [nb 1] Dr Stuart Strachen
Elyes Gabel Shahrouz6
Elizabeth Berrington Nicola5 [nb 1] A nurse, colleague of Joy
Alison LintottChelsea Crabtree4Kelly-Su's siamese twin
Debbie Chazen Kelly-Su Crabtree4Chelsea's siamese twin
Stacy LiuJennifer4 [nb 1] Oscar's replacement home help
Christopher Biggins Himself4Director and "Prince Charming" in Snow White
Nick HolderBob Dalton3Owner of Snappy the Crocodile
Alex KellyKaren Dalton3Bob's wife
Aaron SmithIan Dalton3Son of Bob and Karen
Sarah Solemani Emily3Robin's dinner guest, later David's companion
Nicholas Le Prevost Graham2"Murder and Chips" leader
Janet McTeer Cheryl2"Murder and Chips" actress
David SmallboneMartin Pike2"Murder and Chips" actor
David Bamber Robin4"Murder and Chips" actor
Natalie Cassidy Lorraine2"Murder and Chips" actress
Alex Waldmann Drew Aspinall [27] 1Broke into Ravenhill as a child
Matthew Fenton
Daniel MillarAA Man1Tries in vain to fix Mr. Jelly's car
Sam Kisgart [nb 2] Jason Griffin1"Murder and Chips" auditionee
George Asprey John George Haigh 1Appears to David in a vision
Eric Loren Albert DeSalvo 1Appears to David in a vision
Glenn Carter Jack the Ripper 1Appears to David in a vision
Huw Edwards Himself1Appears reading news on Joy's TV
Julian Bleach Doctor/Eddie1Appears in the Halloween special
Mark Bonnar Detective Finney6
Jason Watkins Peter Bishop5Owner of "Hoyty-Toyties"
  1. 1 2 3 Also appears in the Halloween special in stock footage.
  2. Alias for Mark Gatiss

Production

Filming for the series began at locations around London in October 2008, with plans for the show to be broadcast in 2009. [28] In May 2009 it was confirmed that the series would begin on 11 June, [29] although it was later rescheduled to 18 June. [30] In order to promote Psychoville's launch, digital agency Ralph & Co created a customisable viral video, which enabled users to seemingly broadcast their friends' darkest secrets on a digital billboard at London's Piccadilly Circus. [29]

Episodes

Series 1 (2009)

No.TitleOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
1"Episode 1"
"Black Mail"
18 June 2009 (2009-06-18)1.73[ citation needed ]
The black gloved man sends out his first letters to his five victims declaring, "I know what you did". When he gets his letter, Robert believes it is because he once appeared in porn films and asks for Brian, the actor playing the role of the evil queen in the panto to prevent Debbie, the dim actress playing Snow White from finding out. Mr. Jelly entertains at a child's birthday party and believes that his letter comes from the similarly named act Mr. Jolly. Joy teaches some parents-to-be about giving birth while looking after her own "baby" Freddy. Lomax is offered help from a new social worker whom he names "Tealeaf", who stumbles upon his vast collection of "commodities". David is offered work playing the role of a butler at a murder mystery evening, but when he creates a more realistic murder, he gets fired. When he returns home, Maureen thinks he really did commit murder.
2"Episode 2"
"Lomax"
25 June 2009 (2009-06-25)1.29[ citation needed ]
The black gloved man sends a second message to his victims stating, "You killed her". Lomax reveals to Tealeaf that his collection only needs one more item to complete it – Snappy the Crocodile. He tells him how he first found Snappy, but two people, a pair of conjoined twins called the Crabtree sisters got there before him. In exchange for Snappy, he gave them his eyes, hence his blindness. Lomax has now discovered that someone is selling him online and he intends to buy it, but he finds himself in a bidding war with the Crabtree sisters. As they put in even bigger amounts of money, the people selling Snappy withdraw him from sale in the hope of making even more money. Elsewhere, Robert and Debbie go on a date, which is later discovered to be a trick. David and Maureen visit the man who organised the murder mystery evening, Graham. When he tries to call the police, David and Maureen plan to drown Graham in his bath. Graham escapes, but is run over by a bus and killed as he flees. Mr. Jelly visits a school to provide entertainment but discovers Mr. Jolly is already there. Joy meanwhile, steals some blood to give to Freddy.
3"Episode 3"
"Jelly"
2 July 2009 (2009-07-02)1.30[ citation needed ]
The black gloved man delivers a video tape to the victims showing them inside a mental hospital. Mr. Jelly decides to visit Mr. Jolly to find out why he has been sending the messages. In a flashback, it is shown that Jolly was originally a doctor, Dr. Stuart Strachen, who operated on Jelly's hand, which had to be amputated. This injury resulted in him having to use hooks which scared the children he is entertaining and thus he becomes less successful. Over time, Dr. Strachen developed an interest in Jelly's work and becomes a children's entertainer himself, becoming even better than Jelly. The two fight in a children's play area and eventually Jelly demands to know why Jolly has been sending the letters. However, it turns out that the "E" in the name of the address is an "O" and the letters were meant to be sent to Jolly. Meanwhile, David and Maureen visit another member of the murder mystery evening who they murder via electrocution. Robert takes out his revenge on Debbie by using his telekinetic powers to knock her unconscious. Lomax and the Crabtree Sisters travel to Dudley in order to buy Snappy the Crocodile, but it has gone missing. Joy's husband George demands that she stop treating Freddy as if he is real, but as he does so, Freddy appears to move of his own free will.
4"Episode 4"
"David and Maureen"
9 July 2009 (2009-07-09)1.41[ citation needed ]

David and Maureen kill another member of the murder mystery evening and hide the body in a wooden chest. As they sort out the mess they have caused, it is revealed that David had killed his father by giving him an overdose of sleeping pills, thinking he was helping him because he looked tired. A policeman, Jason Griffin, then visits the scene of the crime and David pretends to be the murder victim while he and Maureen try to bluff their way out of the situation. It is later revealed that Griffin is actually an actor auditioning for a role in the murder mystery evenings, but before Maureen learns this she tells him that it was in fact her who killed David's father by poisoning him slowly over time and that David's overdose was the final blow. As Griffin leaves, he tells David about what Maureen said about her committing his father's murder. As David confronts her, Griffin returns to get his coat and discovers the body. As a result, David murders Griffin as well.

This episode is a homage to the Alfred Hitchcock film Rope , in that it appears to be shot in one continuous take even though it was actually filmed in two. [31]
5"Episode 5"
"Joy"
16 July 2009 (2009-07-16)1.31[ citation needed ]
The black gloved man sends a final message to his victims, by giving them a key depicting a raven with a note saying, "I'm waiting". Joy finds that Freddy has come to life, but Freddy goes on a violent rampage and attempts to kill her. She hides herself in her lavatory, but when she gets out discovers that Freddy has murdered George. She collapses from the shock, but it turns out George was faking his death and that Freddy was being controlled by Joy's co-worker Nicola, with whom George is having an affair. As they leave, Joy wakes up. Elsewhere, Mr. Jolly explains to Mr. Jelly why the blackmail letters are being sent. While he was a doctor, he worked at a mental institution called "Ravenhill Hospital", which was run by a sadistic governess called Nurse Edwina Kenchington who used horrible treatments on the patients, including David, Joy, Robert and Lomax. It was they who killed Kenchington. Meanwhile, Robert visits Debbie in hospital who regains consciousness but is suffering from amnesia, so he tricks her into thinking that they are engaged. David and Maureen visit a wax works to kill another member of the murder mystery troupe, but David is distracted when models of famous serial killers seem to come to live and sing to him, telling him that everything is Maureen's fault. Lomax is tricked by Tealeaf and the Crabtree Sisters who run away with a vast amount of Lomax's money. Tealeaf then telephones the real owner of Snappy the Crocodile – the black gloved man.
6"Episode 6"
"Robert"
23 July 2009 (2009-07-23)1.08[ citation needed ]
When the rest of the pantomime cast learn of Robert and Debbie's supposed engagement, another of the dwarfs, Kerry, tries to separate them. As Robert confronts Kerry, she prevents him from escaping and uses some pick axes to attack Debbie. She then reveals that it is her, not Robert, who is telekinetic and demands that he leave Debbie and admit that he loves her. As Robert attempts to escape, the rest of the cast arrive to save Debbie thinking that Robert has gone mad. Brian knocks Robert unconscious and then Kerry drives him to the countryside. Meanwhile, Mr. Jolly tells Mr. Jelly to meet him at Jelly's house as he has important information, but when he arrives he finds Jolly is dead, with his head in a blue plastic bag. He discovers that the murderer is the black gloved man, who attempts to frame Jelly for the crime. Jelly decides his best option is to flee to Ravenhill. Joy takes Freddy to hospital thinking he is ill, but the doctors refuse to treat him. Joy then decides to kidnap Nicola and takes them all to Ravenhill, when she operates a blood transfusion to save Freddy. Tealeaf tricks the Crabtree sisters into giving him their money and makes his way to Ravenhill to collect Snappy. As he does, he is locked in the room containing Snappy by Joy, so he calls Lomax to get him out. Maureen discovers the truth about David's fake murder and takes a drugs overdose. She plans to kill David as well but finds he has left home. While trying to make herself vomit up the pills, she collapses. David is seen walking carrying a blue plastic bag with something head-shaped in it.
7"Episode 7"
"Ravenhill"
30 July 2009 (2009-07-30)1.45[ citation needed ]
The blackmail victims all make their way to Ravenhill, except Robert. The car that Kerry is driving runs out of petrol so they walk, finding a cottage. As Robert has some soup while Kerry makes a phone call, he discovers the telephone wire is cut and that Kerry has tricked him. He has also been drugged by the soup, served to him by an old crone. Lomax arrives at Ravenhill where he meets Joy and also finds Tealeaf who gives him Snappy. Lomax then throws Snappy over a cliff, and explains that he was in Ravenhill because he was suffering from Leisure Sickness after completing his collection the first time around. As a result, the only way to cure it was to get rid of Snappy. Mr. Jelly also arrives at Ravenhill, where he meets Joy and Lomax. They hear the sound of David singing and make their way to him, but it is in fact the video tape and they are trapped by the black gloved man. David meanwhile visits Kenchington's grave and discovers her coffin is empty. Kenchington is still alive, having not being killed by David and the others. Kenchington shoots David and leaves the graveyard, which is in the Ravenhill grounds. David however survives due to the item he is carrying in his blue plastic bag – a melon. The black gloved man reveals himself to be Mr. Jolly (he faked his death and used a fake head), who is actually Kenchington's son. He blames Joy, Lomax, Robert and David for killing her, and Jelly most of all because he was operating on his hand while she died, meaning Jolly was unable to save her. Kenchington then arrives revealing that she is not dead and that she wants to know which one of them stole a locket belonging to her. While a fight breaks out, Jolly reveals that he is wearing a bomb-covered vest as his method of getting his revenge on his mother's murder and he blows up part of the hospital with all of them inside and David outside. The locket is eventually shown to be worn by Robert.

Halloween special (2010)

No.TitleOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
8"Psychoville Halloween Special"
31 October 2010 (2010-10-31)1.50[ citation needed ]

Phil, a researcher for the TV series Dale Winton's Overnight Ghost Hunt, goes to Ravenhill Hospital to inspect it for a forthcoming shoot. While there he is haunted by visions which manifest themselves into the form of four stories. The special guest stars included Imelda Staunton, Alex Waldmann and Julian Bleach.

It is revealed that at least two of the characters who were assembled for series 1's finale are dead, with a further two in a critical condition.

Series 2 (2011)

No.TitleOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
9"Survivors"
5 May 2011 (2011-05-05)1.15[ citation needed ]
The survivors of the explosion at Ravenhill Psychiatric Hospital are reunited to bury one of their number killed in the blast. But there is no rest for the wicked as new mysteries beckon. The survivors of the blast are under surveillance by the mysterious Grace Andrews and her mild-mannered lackey, Kelvin. Meanwhile, Detective Finney starts to question the survivors in an attempt to find out more about Kenchington's return from the dead and her hunt for her missing locket.
10"Dinner Party"
12 May 2011 (2011-05-12)0.99[ citation needed ]
The search for the missing locket continues with the investigation turning to Christopher Biggins for answers. Meanwhile, we find out what happened to Robert and Kerry as we return to the mysterious cottage in the woods.
11"Hancock"
19 May 2011 (2011-05-19)0.74[ citation needed ]
Mr Lomax reveals more about his past and the reason behind his hatred of Tony Hancock. Mr Jelly arrives at one of Mr Jolly's bookings and hopes no one will be able to tell the difference.
12"Sunnyvale"
26 May 2011 (2011-05-26)0.66[ citation needed ]
Desperate measures are called for as Jeremy Goode searches for the missing library book. Mrs Wren is in peril from several parties and only one man can save her. But will he be bothered?
13"The Hunt"
2 June 2011 (2011-06-02)0.80[ citation needed ]
With danger mounting, and few witnesses left, Tealeaf, with the help of Peter Bishop, tries to solve the mystery of the locket. Things however, don't quite go to plan. Elsewhere, once again Jelly becomes Jolly with unexpected results.
14"Andrews Nanotech"
6 June 2011 (2011-06-06)0.63[ citation needed ]
The secrets of the missing locket are finally exposed and the reality of what is at stake is revealed to those who remain.

Awards

Psychoville won the 2009 British Comedy Award for "Best New British TV Comedy" and the 2011 British Comedy Award for "Best Comedy Drama". [32]

Related Research Articles

<i>The League of Gentlemen</i> British comedy television series

The League of Gentlemen is a surreal British comedy horror sitcom that premiered on BBC Two in 1999. The programme is set in Royston Vasey, a fictional town in northern England, originally based on Alston, Cumbria, and follows the lives of bizarre characters, most of whom are played by three of the show's four writers – Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, and Reece Shearsmith – who, along with Jeremy Dyson, formed the League of Gentlemen comedy troupe in 1995. The series originally aired for three series from 1999 until 2002, and was followed by a film The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse and a stage production The League of Gentlemen Are Behind You!, both in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Gatiss</span> British actor, screenwriter and novelist

Mark Gatiss is an English actor, comedian, screenwriter, director, producer and novelist. His work includes writing for and acting in the television series Doctor Who, Sherlock, Game of Thrones and Dracula. Together with Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton and Jeremy Dyson, he is a member of the comedy team The League of Gentlemen.

<i>The League of Gentlemens Apocalypse</i> 2005 Film

The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse is a 2005 disaster horror comedy film based on the British television series The League of Gentlemen. It is directed by Steve Bendelack at his directorial debut and written by the series' cast along with Jeremy Dyson. Starring Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, who reprise their roles from the TV series, along with Michael Sheen, Victoria Wood, David Warner, Alan Morrissey, Bruno Langley, Bernard Hill, Simon Pegg and Peter Kay who appear in guest roles, the film follows the series' characters as they enter the real world and meet their creators while the setting, the fictional town of Royston Vasey, is facing a series of apocalyptic events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reece Shearsmith</span> British comedian (born 1969)

Reeson Wayne "Reece" Shearsmith is an English actor, writer and comedian. He is best known for being a member of The League of Gentlemen, with Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson. He later created, wrote and starred in the sitcom Psychoville, with Pemberton, as well as the dark comedy anthology series, Inside No. 9. He has had notable roles in Spaced and The World's End.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Pemberton</span> British actor and comedian (born 1967)

Steven James Pemberton is a British actor, comedian, director and writer. He is best known as a member of The League of Gentlemen with Reece Shearsmith, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson. Pemberton and Shearsmith also co-wrote and starred in the black comedy Psychoville and the anthology series Inside No. 9. His other notable television credits include Doctor Who, Benidorm, Blackpool, Shameless, Whitechapel, Happy Valley and Mapp and Lucia.

<i>Inside No. 9</i> BBC TV dark comedy series

Inside No. 9 is a British black comedy anthology television programme that first aired in 2014. It is written by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton and produced by the BBC. Each 30-minute episode is a self-contained story with new characters and a new setting, almost all starring Pemberton or Shearsmith. Aside from the writers, each episode has a new cast, allowing Inside No. 9 to attract a number of well-known actors. The stories are linked only by the number 9 in some way, typically taking the form of a door marked with the number 9, and a brass hare statue that is in the background of all episodes. Themes and tone vary from episode to episode, but all have elements of comedy and horror or perverse humour, in addition to a plot twist. Pemberton and Shearsmith took inspiration for Inside No. 9 from an episode of Psychoville, a previous project, which was filmed in a single room – this in turn was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Rope.

Sardines (<i>Inside No. 9</i>) 1st episode of the 1st series of Inside No. 9

"Sardines" is the first episode of the first series of the British black comedy anthology series Inside No. 9. Written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, it premiered on BBC Two and BBC Two HD on 5 February 2014. In the episode, a group of adults play sardines at an engagement party. Rebecca, the bride-to-be, finds a boring man named Ian in a wardrobe; he introduces himself as a colleague of Jeremy, Rebecca's fiancé. The pair are subsequently joined by family, friends and colleagues of Rebecca and Jeremy. As more people enter the room and step into the wardrobe, secrets shared by some of the characters are revealed, with various allusions to incestuous relationships, child sexual abuse, and adultery. The humour is both dark and British, with references to past unhappiness and polite but awkward interactions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Quiet Night In</span> 2nd episode of the 1st series of Inside No. 9

"A Quiet Night In" is the second episode of the British dark comedy television anthology series Inside No. 9. It first aired on 12 February 2014 on BBC Two. Written by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, it stars the writers as a pair of hapless burglars attempting to break into the large, modernist house of a couple—played by Denis Lawson and Oona Chaplin—to steal a painting. Once the burglars make it into the house, they encounter obstacle after obstacle, while the lovers, unaware of the burglars' presence, argue. The episode progresses almost entirely without dialogue, relying instead on physical comedy and slapstick, though more sinister elements are present in the plot. In addition to Pemberton, Shearsmith, Lawson and Chaplin, "A Quiet Night In" also starred Joyce Veheary and Kayvan Novak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom & Gerri</span> 3rd episode of the 1st series of Inside No. 9

"Tom & Gerri" is the third episode of British dark comedy anthology series Inside No. 9. It premiered on BBC2 on 19 February 2014. The episode was based on a play that Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith had written while living together prior to the development of their series The League of Gentlemen. While the play had originally been around two hours in length, the episode was only half an hour. "Tom & Gerri" follows a difficult period in the life of Tom (Shearsmith), a primary school teacher and aspiring writer, and his girlfriend Gerri, a struggling actress, after Tom invites the homeless Migg (Pemberton) into his home. Conleth Hill stars as Stevie, a man worried about the mental health of his friend Tom. The entire episode takes place inside Tom's flat.

The Understudy (<i>Inside No. 9</i>) 5th episode of the 1st series of Inside No. 9

"The Understudy" is the fifth episode of British dark comedy anthology series Inside No. 9. It was first broadcast on 5 March 2014 on BBC Two. The episode was written by and starred Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, and guest-starred Lyndsey Marshal, Julia Davis, Rosie Cavaliero, Roger Sloman, Di Botcher, Richard Cordery, Bruce Mackinnon and Jo Stone-Fewings. Pemberton plays actor Tony, who is starring as Macbeth in a West End production of Shakespeare's Macbeth, and Shearsmith plays Jim, Tony's understudy. The plot of "The Understudy" partially mirrors the story of Macbeth, exploring the theme of power and the lives of actors.

The Harrowing (<i>Inside No. 9</i>) 6th episode of the 1st series of Inside No. 9

"The Harrowing" is the sixth and final episode of the first series of British dark comedy anthology series Inside No. 9. It aired on 12 March 2014 on BBC Two. The episode was written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, and stars Shearsmith, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Helen McCrory, Poppy Rush and Sean Buckley. While comedic in places, "The Harrowing" makes extensive use of gothic horror elements transmuted into a modern context. The plot follows Katy (Edwards), who has been hired to housesit for eccentric siblings Hector (Shearsmith) and Tabitha (McCrory). They rarely leave the house, but have an event to attend. They tell Katy about their bedridden, disabled brother Andras (Buckley), who cannot speak but will ring a bell if he needs assistance. Katy is joined by her friend Shell (Rush) once Hector and Tabitha leave, and, upon hearing Andras's bell, the pair reluctantly head upstairs. The episode takes place in Hector and Tabitha's mansion, which is kept deliberately cold and filled with paintings depicting Hell. The writers experimented with a variety of possible endings, hoping to make the episode's close both interesting and scary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Couchette</span> 1st episode of the 2nd series of Inside No. 9

"La Couchette" is the first episode of the second series of British dark comedy anthology Inside No. 9. Written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith and directed by Guillem Morales, the episode is set in a sleeper carriage on a French train. English doctor Maxwell, who is traveling to an important job interview, climbs into bed. He is disturbed first by drunk, flatulent German Jorg, and then by English couple Kath and Les. Later, while the others sleep, Australian backpacker Shona brings posh English backpacker Hugo back to the cabin, but the pair make a surprising discovery. The episode stars Pemberton, Shearsmith, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Mark Benton, Jessica Gunning, Jack Whitehall and George Glaves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The 12 Days of Christine</span> 2nd episode of the 2nd series of Inside No. 9

"The 12 Days of Christine" is the second episode of the second series of British black comedy anthology series Inside No. 9. It first aired on 2 April 2015 on BBC Two. It was written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, and directed by Guillem Morales. The episode tells the story of Christine, a young woman living in a small flat, over 12 years in her life, focussing on key days and life events in that time. Christine is played by Sheridan Smith, while those who play an important part in her life are played variously by Tom Riley, Stacy Liu, Michele Dotrice, Paul Copley, Pemberton, Jessica Ellerby, Joel Little and Dexter Little. Shearsmith plays the Stranger, an unknown figure apparently haunting Christine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Trial of Elizabeth Gadge</span> 3rd episode of the 2nd series of Inside No. 9

"The Trial of Elizabeth Gadge" is the third episode of the second series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. It was written by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, and directed by Dan Zeff. It first aired on 9 April 2015 on BBC Two. The story follows a 17th-century witch trial. Elizabeth Gadge, played by Ruth Sheen, stands accused of witchcraft by inhabitants of the village of Little Happens, including characters played by Sinead Matthews, Jim Howick, Paul Kaye and Trevor Cooper. The magistrate Sir Andrew Pike, played by David Warner, has summoned the famed witch-finders Mr Warren and Mr Clarke, played by Shearsmith and Pemberton, to try Elizabeth, but is more concerned with bringing visitors to the village than finding the truth.

Cold Comfort (<i>Inside No. 9</i>) 4th episode of the 2nd series of Inside No. 9

"Cold Comfort" is the fourth episode of the second series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. The episode, which was written and directed by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, was first broadcast on 16 April 2015 on BBC Two. Most of "Cold Comfort" is composed of a stream from a fixed camera on the desk of Andy, the protagonist, with smaller pictures on the side of the screen, in the style of a CCTV feed. "Cold Comfort" was filmed over two and a half days in Twickenham, and was, like "A Quiet Night In" from Inside No. 9's first series, highly experimental. It was Pemberton and Shearsmith's directorial debut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nana's Party</span> 5th episode of the 2nd series of Inside No. 9

"Nana's Party" is the fifth episode of the second series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. It was first broadcast on 23 April 2015 on BBC Two. Written and directed by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, the episode starred Claire Skinner as the obsessive-compulsive and aspirational Angela, who is hosting a party for the 79th birthday of her mother Maggie, played by Elsie Kelly. Angela's husband Jim, played by Pemberton, is keen to play a prank on Pat, Angela's brother-in-law, who is a practical joker. Pat is played by Shearsmith, while Carol, a recovering alcoholic who is Pat's wife and Angela's sister, is played by Lorraine Ashbourne. The episode also features Eve Gordon as Katie, Angela and Jim's teenage daughter, and Christopher Whitlow as a paramedic seen at the beginning and end of the episode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Séance Time</span> 6th episode of the 2nd series of Inside No. 9

"Séance Time" is the sixth and final episode of the second series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. It was first broadcast on 29 April 2015 on BBC Two. The episode was written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, and directed by Dan Zeff. It stars Pemberton, Shearsmith, Alison Steadman, Alice Lowe, Sophie McShera, Dan Starkey, Cariad Lloyd and Caden-Ellis Wall. The episode begins with Tina (McShera) arriving at a Victorian villa for a séance. Hives (Shearsmith) sits her at a table and then escorts the ominous, shrouded Madam Talbot (Steadman) into the room.

The Bill (<i>Inside No. 9</i>) 2nd episode of the 3rd series of Inside No. 9

"The Bill" is the second episode of the third series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. It first aired on 21 February 2017, on BBC Two. The episode was written by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, and was directed by Guillem Morales. "The Bill" focuses on four men—Archie, Malcolm, Kevin, and Craig—arguing over who should pay the bill in a restaurant at closing time, much to the dismay of the waitress Anya. It addresses themes of masculinity and competition, and the English north–south divide is a recurring issue; Craig, the visiting southerner, is wealthier than the other three, and unfamiliar with some of their terminology.

The Riddle of the Sphinx (<i>Inside No. 9</i>) 3rd episode of the 3rd series of Inside No. 9

"The Riddle of the Sphinx" is the third episode of the third series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. It first aired, on BBC Two, on 28 February 2017. The episode was written by the programme's creators, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, and directed by Guillem Morales. "The Riddle of the Sphinx", which is set in Cambridge, stars Alexandra Roach as Nina, a young woman seeking answers to the Varsity cryptic crossword, Pemberton as Professor Nigel Squires, who pseudonymously sets the crossword using the name Sphinx, and Shearsmith as Dr Jacob Tyler, another Cambridge academic. The story begins with Nina surreptitiously entering Squires's rooms on a stormy night and being discovered; this leads to Squires teaching her how to decipher clues in cryptic crosswords.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Empty Orchestra</span> 4th episode of the 3rd series of Inside No. 9

"Empty Orchestra" is the fourth episode of the third series of the British dark comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. Written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith and directed by Guillem Morales, the episode was first shown on 7 March 2017, on BBC Two. "Empty Orchestra" is set in a karaoke booth, and follows a group of work colleagues—Greg (Shearsmith), Fran, Connie, Janet and Duane —celebrating the promotion of Roger (Pemberton). Rebekah Hinds also stars.

References

General
Specific
  1. Fletcher, Alex (3 December 2012). "'League of Gentlemen' Duo Create New Dark BBC Comedy Anthology". Digital Spy . Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  2. "Radio Times on Twitter".
  3. "Psychoville killed off". Chortle . Powder Blue Internet Business Solutions. 15 September 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  4. "Inside No. 9: Series 5, Episode 2 - Death Be Not Proud". British Comedy Guide . Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  5. Armstrong, Stephen (31 May 2009). "The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville". The Times. London. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
  6. Dowell, Ben (9 October 2008). "League of Gentlemen duo back with BBC2 comedy Psychoville". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
  7. "TV Preview: Psychoville + panel discussion". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2009.
  8. "Psychoville". BBC. Retrieved 21 May 2009.
  9. "New show for League of Gentlemen". BBC Online. 9 October 2008. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
  10. Psychoville - disclaimer. BBC. Retrieved 24 June 2009.
  11. Psychoville - Experience. BBC. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
  12. "Jelly Parties". Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
  13. "Jolly Parties". Archived from the original on 18 January 2022.
  14. "Lomax Commodities". Archived from the original on 14 January 2022.
  15. "Best Murders". Archived from the original on 12 April 2022.
  16. "Joy's Advice to Young Mums Website". Archived from the original on 15 January 2022.
  17. "Goldfish Bowl Productions". Archived from the original on 30 March 2022.
  18. "Debbie Hart". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  19. "Hoyti Toyti/The Nazi Bay". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  20. "Robert Greenspan". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  21. "Biggins Panto". Archived from the original on 13 July 2012.
  22. "Midget Gems". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  23. "Murder and Chips". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  24. "Ravenhill Hospital". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  25. "Sunnyvale Rest Home". Archived from the original on 21 January 2021.
  26. "FOCCE (Federation of Clowns and Children's Entertainers)". Archived from the original on 23 January 2021.
  27. "Psychoville – Characters: Drew Aspinall, played by Alex Waldmann". BBC.
  28. Moore, Matthew (10 October 2008). "League of Gentlemen creators write new comedy Psychoville for BBC2". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
  29. 1 2 Bold, Ben (20 May 2009). "BBC launches blackmail viral to promote 'Psychoville'". Brand Republic. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2009.
  30. Armstrong, Stephen (31 May 2009). "The League of Gentlemen launch Psychoville". The Times. London. Retrieved 8 June 2009.
  31. Dean, Will (9 July 2009). "Psychoville episode four: 'Give 'em enough rope'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 4 August 2009.
  32. "Comedy.co.uk Awards 2011 results". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 20 April 2023.