REVIEW: The haunting tale of The Woman in Black at Richmond Theatre
Stephen Mallatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's best-selling novel The Woman in Black at Richmond Theatre was exhilarating, spine - chilling and haunting.
The story follows Aurthur Kipps as he travels to Eel Marsh House to deal with the affairs of attend the funeral of Mrs. Alice Drablow and settle her estate.
Starring, Richmond Theatre's own Box Office Sales Assistant, Mark Hawkins, as 'The Actor' (who plays young Kipps throughout) and Malcolm James, as Arthur Kipps, the play begins with older Kipps mundanely reading his story.
Hawkins played the role of The Actor during The Woman in Black's 30th Anniversary year at the West End's Fortune Theatre. Now, he is returning to the role for the UK tour.
The actor who plays The Woman in Black is uncredited and doesn't get a bow at the end - as we left the theatre and made our way (waringly) down the dark Richmond Streets we heard other members of the audience debriefing the performance and chattering about how it seemed unfair that this is the case.
However, this means that you never see her break character - the character never ends and this makes the audience feel as though they too were haunted by the woman in black.
Whilst I found the readings at the beginning of the play went on for a few minutes too long, once the pacing sped up I was encapsulated (and a little on edge, knowing that jump scares were imminent).
With only three actors in the play and a minimal and simple set, it was very cleverly performed.
The simplicity added to the haunting feeling of the production and transported the audience to the Victorian/Edwardian period in which it is set.
The use of lighting throughout the performance was extremely effective, with the sudden blackouts making the theatre feel eerie.
One of my favourite parts of the whole performance was the use of the sea mist - it truly made me feel as though I was in the grounds of Eel Marsh House, unable to see what was ahead of me.
The Woman in Black will be at Richmond Theatre until Saturday 18 November, before it continues its UK tour.
Find out more and book your tickets here.
Share:
