The Woman in Black at Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Dawn Shay
We were so excited to get the opportunity to review Susan Hill’s haunting novel adapted for the stage. Having seen the 2012 film of the same name, it would be good to see the comparison between the live experience of the stage adaptation and cinema.
The theatre foyer was set out with black drapes and nightlights, covered with a type of cobweb, to set the atmosphere before entering the theatre. We also found the theatre staff very warm and welcoming. Car parking for the theatre is in close proximity with a sloping path for wheelchair users.
Whether it was deliberate or not, the temperature in the theatre was cool which further created a ‘chilling’ mood amongst the audience.
The play sets the mood skilfully by building an eerie atmosphere, using dim lighting and evocative sound effects. The first half of the performance was on a lighter note building gently towards what was to come. The Lighthouse Theatre’s close and cosy proximity to the stage allowed for the audience to feel the essence of emotions and suspense at play; combining the power of eerie narrative and keeping the audience captivated from beginning to end, allowing their imaginations to run amok.
Both lead roles gave committed performances and were very believable in their emotional portrayals, with a running theme of being tormented by the story. Malcolm James and Mark Hawkins have an undeniable chemistry which brings a believable performance of fear and despair whilst managing to add an underlying feeling of anticipation. Combined with poignant storytelling, this adds to the whole experience.
The story was told not just through the acting but with the clever use of light and shadows. The set design was simplistic and effective using props and stage features to enhance the atmospheric experience allowing the audience to absorb the suspense and tension this play delivers. The narrative keeps the audience engaged and spellbound, combining horror and a sense of unease throughout without relying on scare reflexes. (As a side note, we were lucky to be in an audience with a group of college students who reacted so strongly to the scarier parts of the story that we couldn’t help but join in with the jumping out of our seats!!)
This play did not disappoint! It is as if it was made for the stage with its haunting atmosphere and the ability to draw the audience in.
I feel the live production far outweighs the film, relying on the power of a live performance makes a more instantaneous impact, whereas the cinema has the use of CGI and cinematography to enhance the fear factor. We’re still amazed at how this whole story could be told using only a stage and a few props, but believe me, it did!
On a final note, this production is a MUST for classic ghost story lovers.
Ticket prices are from £25 up to £45. and the running time is 2 hrs 5 mins (including interval). An age guidance is given as 12+.
You can access this play by visiting the website at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/the-woman-in-black/
The full address of Lighthouse Theatre is Lighthouse Arts and Entertainment, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1UG
Tel: 01202 280000
Rating: 5/5