The Woman in Black at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review
The Woman in Black
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
14-18 April 2015
Reviewed by Dee Ryz
Having been a fan of the spine-chilling film starring Daniel Radcliffe I had high hopes for The Woman in Black, and I can say with confidence that it definitely exceeded my expectations!
The haunting tale follows Arthur Kipps (played by the very talented Malcolm James in this play) who hires an actor (Matt Connor) to help him tell the story of a frightening experience from his youth – a play within a play. The story then unfolds of when Arthur was a junior solicitor and he was sent to a small town to settle an old widow’s estate at ‘Eel Marsh House’. All is not what it seems and Arthur had some terrifying experiences once he sees the eerie Woman in Black who haunts the house. Tragic events unfolded and at the end of the play we returned to the first scene in the theatre with Kipps and the actor discussing the play, with Kipps hoping that performing his story will exorcise the Woman in Black, however there’s a brilliant twist right at the end (I don’t want to spoil if for you!) that will leave you with a chill running down your spine.
I found myself at the edge of my seat, gripped in suspense for a lot of the performance – and even though I knew the story, I still jumped out of my seat at the more terrifying (and loud) parts! The two actors played the part excellently, and I would have to say that the live show is certainly more chilling than I could have expected.
The King’s Theatre itself was a great venue for such a mystifying play – a small theatre steeped in history, it has been kept in an amazing condition with a lot of the original features having been preserved with traditional décor throughout. Being based in the city centre, the King’s has brilliant transport links with a bus stop almost outside the front door, or if you prefer to drive, there is free parking after 5.30pm nearby.
I would give this show a brilliant 4 out of 5 stars – an absolute must-see in the capital!
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £14 to £29.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Woman in Black in at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh until 18 April 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
You can also see it at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from 20-25 April 2015. Tickets cost from £11.90 to £34.90 (booking fees may apply). For more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow or call the box office on 0844 871 7647.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
