The Woman in Black at The Lowry Theatre Review
The Woman in Black
Lowry Theatre, Manchester
6-11 May 2013
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
This masterpiece written by Susan Hill is celebrating its 25th year of touring and I was lucky enough to be there this week.
Adapted for stage by Stephen Mallatratt this ghost story had me on the edge of my seat throughout and waiting with anticipation for what was coming next.
I have never read the book, nor seen the film or stage version before and I honestly had no idea what to expect.
Julian Forsyth and Anthony Eden are perfectly cast as Arthur Kipps and the Young Actor (we never hear what his name is) in this two man play recounting the story of The Woman in Black. It is quite heavy going at times and it relies a lot on the audiences own imagination and fear of the unknown. There are very few props and a simplistic set design, it is the superb sound and lighting that are used excellently to set each scene.
At times you could hear a pin drop as we sat awaiting the next part of the tale of ghostly going ons. It sent shivers up my spine many a time, and there were gasps of horror and the odd scream coming from throughout the theatre.
I don't want to give too much away of the actual story – you will have to go and see for yourselves! But what I will say is that the actors played their parts with great skill, and you a drawn into this terrifying stage of events that have happened many years ago.
A night of suspense and great entertainment.
The reason I haven't given in 5/5 is because I felt it wasn't intimate enough for a ghost story. This could very well be because of the size of the auditorium? If this is the case then a smaller venue would be the ideal setting.
Rating: 4/5
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