UK Theatre Network

The Woman In Black

Darlington Civic Theatre

Stephen Mallatratt’s spine-chilling adaptation of Susan Hill’s novel, The Woman In Black, arrived at Darlington Civic Theatre last night, filling the stalls and circle in the process. This long-running production (it is now in its 21^st year at The Fortune Theatre in the West End of London) opens with Arthur Kipps (Robert Demeger) monotonously reading from his manuscript which contains the details of a long-kept secret and a terrifying curse.

Kipps enlists the assistance of a young actor (Peter Bramhill) in the task of telling the story and, he hopes, breaking the curse that has haunted him for many years. He is adamant that his tale should not be lauded as a public spectacle or cheap gimmick to fill theatres, but should only be told to his family and friends to aid his peace of mind.

The story begins when a young Kipps, employed as the assistant of the elderly solicitor, Mr Jerome, is sent to attend the funeral service of the ancient spinster Mrs Drablow and, afterwards, organise the affairs of her estate. This task takes him on a long journey north, changing trains twice and crossing a causeway to a remote island, to Eel Marsh House.

As events unfold, the inventive use of limited props, recorded sound effects and projections of ghostly shadows, heighten the sense of anticipation and create added suspense. Only two actors appear on stage throughout – Bramhill as the young Kipps, and Demeger as an array of contrasting characters – and both deliver excellent performances. It is odd that the attention of an entire audience can be captured and held by only two performers, limited sets and scenery and only a handful of props, yet this is entirely true of this production.

The tension mounts slowly – almost as though you are not aware that it is happening at all – until the spectral appearance of the title character elicits shrieks and screams from the over-excited schoolgirls who make up a vast proportion of the audience. This gathers momentum and, as the play progresses, reaches deafening proportions.

The series of events that are responsible for the appearances of the cadaverous ‘woman in black’ and her anguished curse, when revealed, are heart-rending. However, any sympathy that the audience may feel for her is dispelled when the final cruel twist is played out.

Linda Barker.

This production was reviewed by Linda Barker on behalf of Steve Burbridge.

The Woman In Black runs at Darlington Civic Theatre until Saturday 13^th March 2010