The Woman In Black

Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

**** “a true theatrical phenomenon “

It is one of the longest running productions in West End history, second only to The Mousetrap as far as non-musical shows are concerned. That popularity for screaming is equally as popular on the regional tours. The Alexandra in Birmingham was busy on opening night with school parties occupying many a row around me.

The adaptation of Susan Hill’s novel by Stephen Mallatratt is a Victorian scary hit. Arthur Kipps is a solicitor with a story to tell ably assisted by an actor, together they dramatize and relive the dark tale. The story takes them back to a gothic house perched on a remote island, and there of course they and indeed we await the presence of a woman in black. We know she is going to be floating on and yet she still catches us out and the jumps and screams are genuine and when it came to my audience neighbours, loud.

Less is more when it comes to staging and production values, the cast and set is minimal but hugely effective, the storytelling is of a brilliant standard by the two actors; Daniel Burke and John Mackay, they involved us and drew us in immediately we were invested in them and their gothic tale a true marker of their top-drawer acting calibre.

The fear and the tingles are beautifully crafted, not overdone but timed to perfection aided by lighting, smoke, and the odd off stage piercing scream.

So, take a deep breath and go and join The Woman in Black a true theatrical phenomenon, she is waiting for you.

David Robinson