THE WOMAN IN BLACK | UK TOUR @ THEATRE ROYAL, GLASGOW
★★★★
“A masterly delivered, exquisite piece of storytelling…”
With little more than a wicker trunk, a couple of wooden chairs, a stool, selection of dust covers and a handful of props on stage, the addition of two actors with an ingenious script is all it takes to ensure it’s not long before shivers run down the spine and involuntary screams emanate from the audience in this gripping production of Susan Hill’s The Woman In Black.
Based on the novel of the same name, it’s now 39 years since this classic ghost story first chilled and thrilled theatre-goers in equal measure and, thanks to a perfectly balanced blend of nuanced storytelling, atmospheric lighting, special effects and beautifully timed surprises along the way, it remains one of the scariest nights of live theatre you’ll find.
Arthur Kipps is a man tormented. He has a tale that must be told and laid to rest, the telling of which may finally allow him to escape his nightmares and serve as a warning to his family and friends.
Cowed by the memories of a night in 1921, now some 30 years in the past, Kipps, broken and desperate, engages the services of a young actor to help him present the happenings that changed his life. Happenings that took place in the remote market town of Crythin Gifford and the secluded Eel Marsh House, home of the late Alice Drablow… No spoilers!
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt as a play within a play, the current stage production finds John Mackay and Daniel Burke brought together as Kipps and The Actor. Slipping in and out of the persona of the young Kipps, Burke brings the confidence of an actor to the role of The Actor. Charismatic, commanding and always charming, he drives the narrative as Mackay deftly morphs from character to character. Playing all the supporting roles as well as the older Kipps, Mackay effortlessly switches energy and physicality ensuring his every creation is finely crafted.
Together, the pair are masterly in the delivery of this exquisite piece of storytelling that is, in itself, an exercise in rhythm and pace, drawing the audience in and holding them there until… well, let’s just say it’s tantalisingly good, edge of the seat stuff.
Director Robin Herford keeps the piece tight and flowing, building suspense with a practised eye, while Kevin Sleep’s lighting design creates shadows within shadows as he slowly reveals the Gothic confines of Eel Marsh House, courtesy of Michael Holt’s imaginative and minimal staging. Sebastian Frost’s sound design too adds much to the oppressive nature of the tale inducing screams from the Stalls, Circle and Balcony alike.
Yet still, more than anything, The Woman In Black is a wonderful slice of Grand Guignol that proves, in the right hands, less is more. After all, things that live just out of sight are infinitely more frightening when the imagination is so expertly triggered. Prepare to be scared.
Run ends 24 January Tickets HERE | Full tour dates and venues HERE
