Uncanny: Fear of the Dark (Live) Review

By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review is spoiler-free.

Uncanny: Fear of the Dark – Live at Nottingham Theatre Royal (21/10/25)

Synopsis:

“Are you scared of the dark? Danny Robins is back with a brand-new live show that investigates the most spine-tingling range of Uncanny stories yet, as the award-winning BBC paranormal podcast and TV series comes to thrilling, ghostly life on stage!”

Taking our seats inside the stunning Nottingham Theatre Royal, it’s immediately clear what a perfect setting this is for a night of ghostly intrigue. The venue’s grand architecture and historic atmosphere already evoke a sense of the uncanny. As we glance toward the stage, the iconic Uncanny logo is projected against a carefully constructed set that feels part evidence room, part supernatural archive – shelves of labelled boxes, eerie objects from past cases, and just enough gloom to make you glance twice at the shadows. It’s as if we’ve stumbled into the basement office of Fox Mulder himself.

The anticipation builds, fuelled by an unexpectedly energetic rock playlist. Then, as the opening chords of Iron Maiden’s “Fear of the Dark” echo around the hall, the lights drop and the audience erupts – out strides Danny Robins, that familiar flash of black hair and red raincoat confirming that the master of modern ghost stories is in the building.

Robins has always come across as passionate and empathetic on both the podcast and TV series, but seeing him live takes things to another level. He’s not just a host, he’s a performer in the truest sense. Warm, witty, and instinctively engaging, he guides the audience through the evening’s investigations with the ease of someone who genuinely loves what he does. Robins has that rare gift of making a packed theatre feel like an intimate conversation around a campfire, every story delivered with care, humour, and a touch of mischief.

He’s joined, of course, by fan favourites Dr Ciarán O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow, whose presence brings the familiar Uncanny dynamic to life. O’Keeffe, the ever-rational parapsychologist, surprises with sharp comedic timing and a twinkle of self-awareness. He’s far more of a natural showman than his “all science, no fun” reputation might suggest. His interplay with Robins and Hollow drew plenty of laughter, particularly during moments of good-natured debate. Hollow, meanwhile, remains the steadfast believer, eloquent and fiercely confident in her convictions. She brings an energy that’s both academic and deeply human, giving voice to those who’ve experienced the inexplicable and want to be heard.

Interestingly, the Nottingham crowd leaned heavily toward #TeamBeliever, though it never felt divisive. That’s part of the beauty of the Uncanny ethos — it’s not about proving or disproving the paranormal, but about creating a safe, curious space where all perspectives can coexist.

The show’s structure mirrors the podcast format. New and revisited cases are introduced through readings of listener emails and recorded testimonies. But on stage, these stories take on new life thanks to inventive theatrical elements. Striking video projections, immersive sound design, and perfectly timed lighting cues that plunge the room into genuine moments of tension. There are real jump scares (and delighted yelps from the audience to match), and the use of music heightens the atmosphere without ever feeling gimmicky.

One clever stage device involves shadowy figures dressed entirely in black who manipulate props in near invisibility. A simple yet effective illusion that adds to the show’s aesthetic. The attention to detail is impeccable; even the faint flicker of candlelight or distant echo of a whisper feels carefully calculated and considered.

What elevates the night, though, is its interactivity. The audience isn’t just watching, we’re part of the experiment. At one point, Dr O’Keeffe conducts a parapsychological test live on stage, inviting everyone to take part. Needless to say, most of us “failed” spectacularly, but it was all part of the fun and cleverly illustrated his scientific perspective. These moments of participation made the evening feel truly communal, blurring the line between observer and investigator.

As the final applause thundered through the theatre and Robins, O’Keeffe, and Hollow took their bows, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica roared through the speakers – a perfect, tongue-in-cheek send-off. Walking out into the cool Nottingham night, you could hear animated chatter all around. People sharing theories, recounting their favourite moments, and debating whether they were Team Sceptic or Team Believer. It wasn’t just post-show buzz; it felt like the Uncanny community extending beyond the theatre walls.

Personally, the show didn’t change my stance on the paranormal. I’m still perched somewhere between belief and scepticism. Curious but cautious, fascinated yet analytical. I’ve had a couple of experiences I can’t explain, but I’m equally drawn to finding the rational causes behind them. And that, really, is what Uncanny is all about. It doesn’t try to convert you, it invites you to think, to question and to listen.

Whether you’re a believer, a sceptic, or, like me, caught somewhere in between, this show will leave you captivated, thinking, and maybe even glancing over your shoulder on the way home…

Uncanny: Fear of the Dark isn’t just a live version of a hit podcast; it’s an expertly crafted piece of immersive theatre that celebrates curiosity, connection, and the shared thrill of storytelling. Blending outstanding production design with moments of genuine fear and laughter, Danny Robins proves once again that he’s not just a broadcaster, but a born storyteller and showman.