A fright at the theatre

REVIEW: The Woman in Black Theatre Royal Plymouth

The Woman in Black at Plymouth's Theatre Royal scares teens and adults alike.

Susan Hill’s novel, adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, follows a man trying to understand a ghost, but unlike any other ghost story, jumps in time keep the audience in suspense and constant fear. Rather than jump scares, not that there weren't any, the play hinges on uncomfortable dread as the audience waits, knowing that something will happen, we just don’t know when. 

Despite the first production being 35 years ago, director Robin Herford keeps the play new and interesting, adding humour to accentuate panic. Actors John Mackay and Deniel Burke's lighting-quick changes in character and emotion sets up a question-riddled first act and a purely frightful second. I was particularly impressed with Mackay's ability to slip in and out of roles.

With the theatre packed, I wonder whether the production may benefit from a smaller space. Don’t get me wrong, the mass screams turning into awkward laughs from schoolchildren did help to settle my nerves. However if they really wanted to scare us, a smaller, more intimate audience would have been a perfect setting.

While not a fan of horror, I found myself amazed and glued to my seat as I simultaneously tried to keep on watching while covering my eyes. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t look away!

This is the perfect play for anyone who enjoys a good fright while also getting to see the highest quality acting, sound and lighting design. I would urge everyone (over the age of twelve) to go and see it at least once, but be prepared to spend the evening looking over your shoulder!