The 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, opened in Guangzhou on October 14. For international business visitors, there is another way to spend their evenings after a busy day at the fair: stepping into a live mystery inspired by a hit British TV series.
The immersive theater production of the BBC's Inside No. 9 will open a limited run at Canton Tower Theater on October 15, bringing two suspense-filled stories to the stage in a format that invites audiences to get closer to the action.
Created by British writers and actors Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, Inside No. 9 is known for its dark humor, ingenious storytelling and unexpected plot twists. Each episode tells a self-contained story, often turning an ordinary situation into a mystery involving secrets, deception and human nature.
The Chinese-language immersive adaptation has previously been staged in Shanghai, Beijing and Aranya. Its Shanghai run reportedly exceeded 600 performances, with an average audience occupancy rate of more than 98 percent and a rating of 9.9 out of 10 on Chinese ticketing platform Damai.
Two stories, countless twists
The Guangzhou edition features two stories from the original series.
In Mother's Ruin, two brothers search their late mother's house for a hidden inheritance, only to uncover long-buried family secrets. As greed and competing schemes come into play, the search takes a series of unexpected turns.
In Once Removed, an ordinary house move becomes a time-loop mystery. As events repeatedly rewind, the characters try to change the outcome, gradually revealing new layers of the puzzle.
Through lighting, sound, stage design and carefully planned audience movement, the production creates an immersive atmosphere in which small details may hold important clues. Rather than simply watching events unfold from a distance, audiences are drawn closer to the action, with the truth remaining uncertain until the final moments.
A different side of Guangzhou after dark
Located at Canton Tower, one of the city's best-known landmarks, the theater offers an option for visitors looking to explore Guangzhou beyond the Canton Fair exhibition halls.
Whether you are a fan of British television or simply looking for an unusual evening experience, the production combines suspense, dark humor and interactive storytelling in a distinctive theatrical setting.
Performance information
Dates: October 15–25, 2026, on selected dates
Venue: Canton Tower Theater, Guangzhou
Duration: Approximately 85 minutes, with no intermission
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Photos | Canton Tower Theater
