“No matter how much you may brace yourself, this show is ready to startle you.”
The Woman In Black, will never grow old, terrorising those who watch it. Directed by Robin Herford, a champion of this account and adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, based in the novel by Susan Hill, get ready for an unforgettable and stormy reenactment of a paranormal encounter.
The play covers the story of Arthur Kipps, a man with a tale desperate to be told about his days working as a solicitor, travelling to a coastal town North of London, Crythin Gifford, to find and retrieve the financial papers of a client who passed away. Upon his arrival, Arthur Kipps begins to feel an air of unwelcomeness, secrets and paranormal activity. Years after his traumatising tale, Arthur Kipps desperately asks an actor to help him retell the story, to inform his friends and family after keeping this secret with him, eating him alive. Arthur Kipps and the actor begin to explore the story, reliving it to a grave extent.
Regardless of whether you have read the book, seen the play or watched the film, admittedly, there are large expectations from the stage play, it must be terrifying. The large task of creating theatre which scares unexpectedly was there, without being obvious as to when something was happening. The audience jumped and yelped at each scare, it seemed we fell into the trap every single time.
Directed by Robin Herford, the choices made seemed to be the right ones. Although this performance translated to the audience perfectly, it is understandably a story which can be easily muddled. The performance seemed honest and had great simplicity to it, nothing was too much, Herford’s direction made complete and total sense bringing two dimensions together, the theatre, where Arthur Kipps and The Actor work on bringing Arthur’s story to life and inside the story, the bleak and strange Eel Marsh House, the causeway and the unfriendly coastal town of Crythin Gifford. Herford himself has played Arthur Kipps in several different theatres across the world, conceivably, Herford’s knowledge not only as a director but as an actor, has clearly had an impact on this production.
Both actors had a heavy assignment to complete, having the complexity of being The Actor and Arthur, but also as several different characters in Arthur Kipps story, succeeding entirely in this process. Daniel Burke’s performance as The Actor and as young Arthur Kipps was honourable and had a great lightness to it, showing determination from both The Actor, perfecting the performance and the young Arthur Kipps, eager to do what is right. It was easy to differentiate between the two, which is essential for keeping the story easy to follow.
John Mackay’s Arthur Kipp was one to never forget, as well as his additional roles as Sam Daily and Keckwick. Mackay’s performance appeared to be slick, clever and precise, it was thoroughly enjoyable watching both actors tell this story.
The element usage on stage paired perfectly with everything else, lighting and sound were used effectively, yet not overdone. This play was on two different levels of excellence to watch; one, being the fact that The Actor mentions the importance of lighting and sound to aid Arthur Kipps to life, something of such simplicity but effect, and two, us watching it roll out, being hypnotised by said lighting and sound, believing it all and making this ghost story feel all the very realer.
Mystery was generally what led the production forward, in all means. Arthur Kipps perplexing experience, the paranormal and haunting doubt and the suspense as the story was told. This production is not one to be missed, and certainly is one to leave you feeling frightened.
The Woman In Black will be at the Bristol Old Vic until the 25th of April 2026. Tickets are available here.