I saw this on a flight, and thankfully the airline had good taste to have Inside No. 9 in the program. This episode has one of the largest casts of an Inside No. 9, and they synchoronise in this rhythmic episode where you enjoy trying to keep up with the script.
19 Reviews
A Shakesperian inspired minimalist masterpiece
The-Last-Prydonian5 January 2018
The Hotel Zanzibar welcomes the sexually perverted Prince Rico (Rory Kinnear) as its guest; along with his minder Henry (Reece Shearsmith) who has murderous treachery on his mind. Henry plans to assassinate his sleazy employer; acquiring the assistance of the prostitute Tracey (Tanya Franks) who Rico asked the zealous bellboy Fred (Jaygann Ayeh))to hire on his behalf. Meanwhile, another guest Gus (Rory Kinnear again)who happens to be the spitting image of the visiting royalty, has brought his girlfriend Amber (Hattie Morahan) to the hotel as well. Throw in the suicidal Mr. Green (Bill Paterson), dotty old Alice (Marcia Warren), and her doting, limp-wristed son Robert (Steve Pemberton), and the stage is set for an evening of farcical proportions.
The long-awaited return of messer's Shearsmith and Pemberton's comically dark anthology series, and it does so with considerable panache with; Zanzibar which marks yet another departure from the norm. Evidently inspired by the comedic works of William Shakespeare, most notably taking its cues from; Hamlet, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer's Night's Dream with its themes of treachery, child separation, and romantic manipulation, it combines these elements to superb effect. With each of the players reciting the majority of their dialogue in iambic pentameter, whether it be to each other or in soliloquy as they break the fourth wall; it works so much better than one might expect. Each sentence just crackles with energy and is enriched by the emotive recitations from the wonderful cast, not once feeling aberrant or stilted. It flows like a fine wine pouring forth from a bottle of Chateau Lafite.
Shot entirely in the corridor of the ninth floor of the plush hotel, director David Kerr who incidentally helmed Russell T. Davies's BBC adaptation of; A Midsummer's Night Dream utilizes the minimalist backdrop from Shearsmith and Pemberton's ingenious script with supreme zest and efficiency. There's very much the hustle and bustle that is synonymous with the elements of farce; with an array of offbeat characters being expediently introduced, and relaying plot details directly or indirectly to the audience at home before they leave and the proceeding one enters. There's the swapping of rooms, and mistaken identities; double meanings, and cross purposes abound and it's all pulled off beautifully, with Shearmith and Pemberton putting a contemporary spin on the old formula.
It's also helped by the fact that they have, as they invariably do, acquired a top-grade ensemble guest cast which includes the ever-splendid Rory Kinnear who virtually excels himself in bringing two of the protagonists to life, who although physically identical are contrasting in nature. Jaygann Ayehh, a young actor who I have up on to now been unaware of is perfectly upbeat as the conscientious bellboy Fred, with Helen Monks along for the ride as his girlfriend and hotel maid. Colette. Hattie Morahan is also on, fine irritable form as Gus's disgruntled girlfriend Amber, while old-pro Bill Paterson is at his flawless supreme as the dour, and regretful Mr. Green. Marcia Warren adds some eccentric, oblivious warmth as the infectiously doddery Alice, with Tanya Franks and Kevin Eldon rounding up the non-regulars as jaded "working girl" Tracey, and pretentious stage hypnotist Vince. Of course, the series dual forerunners are again at their reliable, level best with Reece Shearsmith as Prince Rico's traitorous minder whose ambition's far outreach his talent; affecting a Weasley cockney accent that punctuates his villainous nature explicitly. As Alice's devoted son Robert, Steve Pemberton once again delivers the goods as the perennial carer to his winsome mother. The essence of their relationship acts as something of a brief, charming diversion on proceedings although Alice's absent-minded wanderings do diverge the comedy in a decidedly perverse direction, while Robert's unforeseen encounter with an amorous fellow guest offers a less unpleasant respite from what's gone before.
Arguably showcasing the comedy duo's combined thespian and screenwriting talents at its very best; and a story that would work well as a companion piece to The Understudy from Series 1; Zanzibar doesn't showcase them at their most trademark macabre and is relatively mild compared to such episodes as; Sardines, Tom and Gerri or; The Riddle of the Sphinx while any genuine shock twist never really transpires, it still makes for a refreshingly innovative and rewarding half-hour comedy-drama.
The long-awaited return of messer's Shearsmith and Pemberton's comically dark anthology series, and it does so with considerable panache with; Zanzibar which marks yet another departure from the norm. Evidently inspired by the comedic works of William Shakespeare, most notably taking its cues from; Hamlet, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer's Night's Dream with its themes of treachery, child separation, and romantic manipulation, it combines these elements to superb effect. With each of the players reciting the majority of their dialogue in iambic pentameter, whether it be to each other or in soliloquy as they break the fourth wall; it works so much better than one might expect. Each sentence just crackles with energy and is enriched by the emotive recitations from the wonderful cast, not once feeling aberrant or stilted. It flows like a fine wine pouring forth from a bottle of Chateau Lafite.
Shot entirely in the corridor of the ninth floor of the plush hotel, director David Kerr who incidentally helmed Russell T. Davies's BBC adaptation of; A Midsummer's Night Dream utilizes the minimalist backdrop from Shearsmith and Pemberton's ingenious script with supreme zest and efficiency. There's very much the hustle and bustle that is synonymous with the elements of farce; with an array of offbeat characters being expediently introduced, and relaying plot details directly or indirectly to the audience at home before they leave and the proceeding one enters. There's the swapping of rooms, and mistaken identities; double meanings, and cross purposes abound and it's all pulled off beautifully, with Shearmith and Pemberton putting a contemporary spin on the old formula.
It's also helped by the fact that they have, as they invariably do, acquired a top-grade ensemble guest cast which includes the ever-splendid Rory Kinnear who virtually excels himself in bringing two of the protagonists to life, who although physically identical are contrasting in nature. Jaygann Ayehh, a young actor who I have up on to now been unaware of is perfectly upbeat as the conscientious bellboy Fred, with Helen Monks along for the ride as his girlfriend and hotel maid. Colette. Hattie Morahan is also on, fine irritable form as Gus's disgruntled girlfriend Amber, while old-pro Bill Paterson is at his flawless supreme as the dour, and regretful Mr. Green. Marcia Warren adds some eccentric, oblivious warmth as the infectiously doddery Alice, with Tanya Franks and Kevin Eldon rounding up the non-regulars as jaded "working girl" Tracey, and pretentious stage hypnotist Vince. Of course, the series dual forerunners are again at their reliable, level best with Reece Shearsmith as Prince Rico's traitorous minder whose ambition's far outreach his talent; affecting a Weasley cockney accent that punctuates his villainous nature explicitly. As Alice's devoted son Robert, Steve Pemberton once again delivers the goods as the perennial carer to his winsome mother. The essence of their relationship acts as something of a brief, charming diversion on proceedings although Alice's absent-minded wanderings do diverge the comedy in a decidedly perverse direction, while Robert's unforeseen encounter with an amorous fellow guest offers a less unpleasant respite from what's gone before.
Arguably showcasing the comedy duo's combined thespian and screenwriting talents at its very best; and a story that would work well as a companion piece to The Understudy from Series 1; Zanzibar doesn't showcase them at their most trademark macabre and is relatively mild compared to such episodes as; Sardines, Tom and Gerri or; The Riddle of the Sphinx while any genuine shock twist never really transpires, it still makes for a refreshingly innovative and rewarding half-hour comedy-drama.
Absolutely Fantastic
lordjayofwinterfell3 January 2018
Upon hearing that Inside no 9 was returning for it's 4th season i was unsure on whether they could pick up with the standard the team departed with and my god they did.
I thought the change of tone might be an issue but i enjoyed it from start to finish and was astounded.
That is all! Go and watch it!
I thought the change of tone might be an issue but i enjoyed it from start to finish and was astounded.
That is all! Go and watch it!
When I thought the show couldn't get any better.
Kerriecarlisle30 November 2018
Bum spankingly good
begob9 January 2018
The bellboy of a plush hotel oversees a farcical muddle among the guests on floor 9.
The writers of this series have earned the privilege of a script in iambic pentameter with rhyming couplets, but can they do the biz? I was a bit cautious to start, but once I got past the black suit's devious aside to camera the spring-loaded plot and delightful characters swept me along.
Nobody can write better single location drama than these guys and, while poetic dialogue can be irritating, they set the balance just right. Only other time I've seen original meters done well was in Dangerous Beauty, but that had no feel for the plotting of a Renaissance farce, whereas this gives joy in the way things move apart and come back together - like a dance.
Lovely performances from all, and the direction is bum spankingly good. Music and sound nice and light. I did get the set design reference to Hotel Budapest, but why Zanzibar?
Overall: Perfect distillation of a bright spirit.
The writers of this series have earned the privilege of a script in iambic pentameter with rhyming couplets, but can they do the biz? I was a bit cautious to start, but once I got past the black suit's devious aside to camera the spring-loaded plot and delightful characters swept me along.
Nobody can write better single location drama than these guys and, while poetic dialogue can be irritating, they set the balance just right. Only other time I've seen original meters done well was in Dangerous Beauty, but that had no feel for the plotting of a Renaissance farce, whereas this gives joy in the way things move apart and come back together - like a dance.
Lovely performances from all, and the direction is bum spankingly good. Music and sound nice and light. I did get the set design reference to Hotel Budapest, but why Zanzibar?
Overall: Perfect distillation of a bright spirit.
A masterpiece quite simply
eppingdrwho2 February 2020
A masterpiece
Kerriecarlisle21 May 2019
Brilliant!
lucasade20033 September 2019
Not a wreck. (Because there is a book called "The Wreck of Zanzibar". Have you heard of it? Is that an obscure reference?)
GiraffeDoor27 March 2020
This episode struck me as a touch off-brand, but not to look a gift horse in the mouth it is still an impressive exercise in farce, misunderstandings and even rhyme. It reminded me of Shakespeare except still relevant (I am such an edgelord!)
With the vibrant hotel corridor with its inviting colors as our backdrop, a matrix of chance encounters with comedic outcomes make this perhaps the snuggliest episode of them all.
Lots of coincidences though.
With the vibrant hotel corridor with its inviting colors as our backdrop, a matrix of chance encounters with comedic outcomes make this perhaps the snuggliest episode of them all.
Lots of coincidences though.
Positives far outweigh the negatives and the prospects for season four are looking good.
southdavid4 January 2018
Eschewing the trademark wretched and macabre, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton open their fourth season of "Inside Number 9" with something a little different. "Zanzibar" is part Ealing farce and part Shakespearean comedy of errors; room swapping and rhyming couplets - but with added jokes about Golden Showers.
Does it work? Not entirely, but enough finds the mark to make this one worthy of your time.
Reteaming with Stephen Kerr, who directed all of the first season of "Inside Number 9", "Zanzibar" introduces us the residents of the 9th floor of the Zanzibar hotel. These include Prince Rico (Rory Kinnear) heir apparent of an undisclosed country who is there with his security guard and confidant Henry (Shearsmith) who is incidentally planning to murder him. Gus (also Rory Kinnear) brings his girlfriend Amber (Hattie Morahan) to the hotel to try and rescue their struggling relationship with one last grand gesture. Meanwhile, Mr Green (Bill Paterson) wants some peace to commit suicide whilst lamenting the decision to put his twin sons up for adoption many years previously . . . you can already see where this is going.
Key cards fail and accommodation is swapped. Room service, of all kinds, is requested and delivered and the misunderstandings run wild. The farce aspect of the show works extremely well. Layered in ideas pay off down the line and clever uses of synonyms keep the plot running and the laughs coming.
The rhyming couplets idea is less successful. For each one that ends in a witty pairing, there are several that miss, somewhat so there are times when I wondered if they'd abandoned the idea. Also, Steve Pemberton's character Robert, on holiday with his Amnesiac mother (Marcia Warren), will feel somewhat familiar to long term fans of the show and his previous work.
But the positives far outweigh the negatives and the prospects for season four are looking good.
Does it work? Not entirely, but enough finds the mark to make this one worthy of your time.
Reteaming with Stephen Kerr, who directed all of the first season of "Inside Number 9", "Zanzibar" introduces us the residents of the 9th floor of the Zanzibar hotel. These include Prince Rico (Rory Kinnear) heir apparent of an undisclosed country who is there with his security guard and confidant Henry (Shearsmith) who is incidentally planning to murder him. Gus (also Rory Kinnear) brings his girlfriend Amber (Hattie Morahan) to the hotel to try and rescue their struggling relationship with one last grand gesture. Meanwhile, Mr Green (Bill Paterson) wants some peace to commit suicide whilst lamenting the decision to put his twin sons up for adoption many years previously . . . you can already see where this is going.
Key cards fail and accommodation is swapped. Room service, of all kinds, is requested and delivered and the misunderstandings run wild. The farce aspect of the show works extremely well. Layered in ideas pay off down the line and clever uses of synonyms keep the plot running and the laughs coming.
The rhyming couplets idea is less successful. For each one that ends in a witty pairing, there are several that miss, somewhat so there are times when I wondered if they'd abandoned the idea. Also, Steve Pemberton's character Robert, on holiday with his Amnesiac mother (Marcia Warren), will feel somewhat familiar to long term fans of the show and his previous work.
But the positives far outweigh the negatives and the prospects for season four are looking good.
A masterpiece of Shakespearean comedy
lisabutt2416 March 2020
More than a nod to a mid summer nights dream, this is darkly funny, twisted and sarcastic. Highly recommended. My first episode that I watched and made me watch the entire series. Still my favorite apart from sardines. Which really needs a watch if not already
Very clever, well performed, just lacked laughs.
Sleepin_Dragon16 January 2018
The question for me was always going to be how good this was with the team having allocated time to the superb return of the League of Gentlemen.
It doesn't surprise me to see reviews of tens and ones, it was without a doubt the most divisive episode of the show to date. Personally I loved the premise of it, a Shakespearean inspired farce, incredibly smart delivery, cleverly written, I just didn't care a huge deal for it. Possibly style over substance, the show is at its best when it's funny or moving, this was neither if I'm being honest, wonderfully clever yes, but were it not for the ever reliable Marcia Warren who played Alice, I'd have struggled to laugh.
The performances are excellent, Rory Kinnear is an amazing actor, so talented, Jaygann Ayeh and Tanya Franks also impressed. Slick camera work, high quality production values.
There's normally a duff in a series, I am sure this is it, I look forward to the next episode.
It doesn't surprise me to see reviews of tens and ones, it was without a doubt the most divisive episode of the show to date. Personally I loved the premise of it, a Shakespearean inspired farce, incredibly smart delivery, cleverly written, I just didn't care a huge deal for it. Possibly style over substance, the show is at its best when it's funny or moving, this was neither if I'm being honest, wonderfully clever yes, but were it not for the ever reliable Marcia Warren who played Alice, I'd have struggled to laugh.
The performances are excellent, Rory Kinnear is an amazing actor, so talented, Jaygann Ayeh and Tanya Franks also impressed. Slick camera work, high quality production values.
There's normally a duff in a series, I am sure this is it, I look forward to the next episode.
Zanzibar
Prismark103 January 2018
Welcome to the Hotel Zanzibar and if you enjoyed your stay, review it on Tripadvisor not on IMDB. No one will ever see the review on IMDB since they migrated to their new IT system!
When Pemberton and Shearsmith knock it out of the park, they really do clear the stands and proof that not all of their stories have a twist at the end.
This is a farce that references some Shakespeare comedies and it is certainly not much ado about nothing.
Long lost twins, a murderous plot, some enchantment even some watersports as well as the Hokey Cokey. Add in some rhyming couplets and you get an entertaining and a fruity half an hour of television. Some very good performances especially by Jaygann Ayeh as the bellboy.
When Pemberton and Shearsmith knock it out of the park, they really do clear the stands and proof that not all of their stories have a twist at the end.
This is a farce that references some Shakespeare comedies and it is certainly not much ado about nothing.
Long lost twins, a murderous plot, some enchantment even some watersports as well as the Hokey Cokey. Add in some rhyming couplets and you get an entertaining and a fruity half an hour of television. Some very good performances especially by Jaygann Ayeh as the bellboy.
An educated appreciation
KLG231 August 2021
I had a basic understanding of Shakespeare when I first watched this. But after a few years of coincidental reading, I have come to truly appreciate the nuance and intelligence of this episode. So funny. So appreciative of the actors who are involved in many Shakespeare productions. If the bard could see this adaptation, I think he'd be proud. I would watch this on stage!!
I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.
spycygrl-0748728 February 2023
Shakespearean in metre and Wes Anderson in setting. To write a modern farce worthy of the Bard and in iambic pentameter as well..now that's a feat! Taking place entirely in a hotel corrider, this has all of the standard Shakespearean tropes: mistaken identity, a father who doesn't know his sons and wants to end it all, a little magical misdirection where a lover falls for the wrong person and, of course, an Iago-style protector keen on murder.
Pemberton and Shearsmith are so terribly clever and also clearly have a true love of theatre. This episode doesn't have the darkness of some of the other episodes, but is an enjoyable romp indeed.
Pemberton and Shearsmith are so terribly clever and also clearly have a true love of theatre. This episode doesn't have the darkness of some of the other episodes, but is an enjoyable romp indeed.
Zanzibar
bobcobb30111 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I couldn't quite keep track of everything myself, but as someone who likes Broadway shows but can't really go to any I enjoyed the theatrical aspect of it. There was comedy, it was cleverly-written, this is what a TV show should be like.
This is an Inside No. 9 we will remember.
This is an Inside No. 9 we will remember.
As funny as Twelfth Night
frukuk3 January 2018
There are some wonderful episodes of Inside Number 9 (e.g. The Devil of Christmas, s3ep1), but this episode (s4ep1) falls flat.
I'm not sure what the writers were trying to achieve: a pastiche of a strange mixture of Shakespeare and farce? Well, it is farcical -- though not in a good way. Perhaps it's meant to show that (poor) farce really isn't very funny? But isn't that pretty much old news? I'm still scratching my head over this.
I'm sure there will be some hits in this current (4th) series/season, but this first episode is a mistaken misfiring miss.
I'm not sure what the writers were trying to achieve: a pastiche of a strange mixture of Shakespeare and farce? Well, it is farcical -- though not in a good way. Perhaps it's meant to show that (poor) farce really isn't very funny? But isn't that pretty much old news? I'm still scratching my head over this.
I'm sure there will be some hits in this current (4th) series/season, but this first episode is a mistaken misfiring miss.
worst ep so far
nalwro5 February 2020
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