Theatre Review: The Woman in Black

The gripping stage production of The woman In Black hits centre stage once again at the Fortune Theatre in celebration of 25 years in the West End. The thriller, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from Susan Hill’s novel has seen many successful years at the Fortune theatre, with the first ever show being played in February 1989.  It’s not surprising to see that such a thrilling production would be so successful; this ‘good old ghost-story’ is once relived on stage, frightening new generations to their very last wits!

The play, which has gained copious attention, tells the story of a young Solicitor Arthur Kipps who has been assigned the task to sort the affairs of an elderly widow who has recently passed, Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh house. Kipps meets a man named Sam Daily on his way to Crythin Gifford, who, upon telling Daily his task, realises that there is an air of unease every time Mrs. Drablow is mentioned. Upon visiting Drablow’s grave, Kipps is haunted by a figure dressed in black where he is to soon discover that there is more to the story of Mrs. Drablow than he first thought.

Robin Herford, director of the production brings an original and creative flavour to the stage – The two actors, Julian Forsyth and Antony Eden create an astounding atmosphere – With minimal props and in the presence of two powerful main characters, Herford does not fail to conjure up feelings of tension, anxiety, nervousness paired with hilarious banter, that leaves the audience in stitches as well as fear. The supernatural entity in the form of a svelte figure dressed in black that is Jennet Humphry (later revealed to be Mrs. Drablow’s sister), suddenly appears on stage paired with hair-raising sound effects that only amplify the uneasiness of the audience as they witness events unfolding. As laughter amongst the audience turns into gasps and squeals, it is undeniable that Herford brings without fail to the stage, a production that is unique and imaginative. As literal smoke engulfs the tiny constrictions of the theatre room during the spine-tingling moments on the marsh, the audience’s vision does not only become obscured, but the terror of the moment is amplified as we hear the blood-curdling screams of the deceased – Audiences can, for a moment, become part of the production and are no longer on the seats of a theatre in London, but immersed into the actual horrors of the play.

“The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter” – Daily Telegraph

Is it worth seeing? If you’re ready for a heart-palpitating and fist-clenching experience of an edge-of-your-seat thriller of pure genius played out on stage, this is without doubt an experience that you will not regret having…proceed at your own peril!

Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars – Excellent!

Tickets are available for purchase at: http://www.fortune-theatre.co.uk/event.html

Tour dates and bookings: http://thewomaninblack.com/ticket-info/uk-tour