The Woman In Black (Ongoing Run)

Published by: Luke Tudball on 18th Jan 2007 | View all blogs by Luke Tudball

There's an air of suspense in the air as we stroll casually into the foyer of the Fortune Theatre, one of London's "most intimate theatres", which has been entertaining audiences on the site of the old Albion Tavern since 1924. Perhaps it is the heritage of the site that lends it such an atmosphere, perhaps the narrow stairways and the ornate woodwork of the auditorium, but whatever the reason, the theatre seems the perfect choice for Stephen Mallatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's novel, 'The Woman In Black'.

In the West End, and London as a whole, ghost stories are scarce, and it is a pleasure to see one continung so healthily to stalk the boards of Covent Garden. The actors too seem almost to tread on the toes of the front row at times, but this certainly brings credence to the claim of intimacy. This does not hamper the production in any way and (literally) brings the audience right into the action of the play. A point not missed in the design and direction, having actors at times appearing in the audience.

The actors, Mark Healy and Robert Demeger, are perfectly cast and bring a real flair, as well as an uneasy realism, to the variety of characters they portray - one which keeps us laughing at the same time as worrying that there is not more to them than meets the eye.

To go into any detail of the plot would do a disservice to a great narrative that twists and turns and brings as many screams, as grins. One word of warning though...this piece can attract large groups of school students who study the text, so if you are brave enough to face them, it may be wise to also bring some earplugs!

'The Woman In Black' has lost nothing in its extended stay in the West End, and I, for one, hope that the carriage is not yet planned for it's shadowy withdrawal back to flatlands of East Anglia.