The Woman In Black At The Oxford Playhouse Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story, The Woman in Black became one of the most successful and longest running theatre productions in the London West End, with a jaw dropping 35 years of unanimous acclaim and is now on a sell out tour and showing at the Oxford Playhouse.

For different reasons, some shows seem to stay with you long after you have left the theatre and The Woman in Black was for me, one of those productions. Being a fan of ‘thriller theatre’, I loved the play the first time I saw it and was therefore wondering if it would be as much of a thrill the second time round – it certainly was – and more!

At its heart, The Woman in Black is a spine tingling, twisty ghost tale. The plot tells the story of Arthur Kipps, a solicitor, who is called to the remote home of recently deceased Alice Drablow to wrap up her estate. Unfortunately, for Arthur, he soon comes to understand that the local folk will not visit the house for fear of a curse and so he is left completely on his own to face the ghosts and mysteries of the past.
The show begins many years later, with an elderly Arthur enlisting the support of a young actor to tell the haunting story and in doing so, he hopes his fears will be finally exorcised. The Woman in Black is a two-man show and with a minimal set, there are very few distractions and we quickly find ourselves completely immersed in the ghost story. The play within a play structure proves an effective and intense concept and as the suspense and tension build, we are completely hooked and drawn deeper into the chilling tale.

With impeccable and sensitive performances, both actors deliver a masterclass in acting and storytelling. Daniel Burke as The Actor gives a compelling performance as the sceptical young actor who tries to convince Kipps to go along with his idea. John Mackay as the older, traumatised Kipps is equally convincing and completely nails his nuanced portrayal of multiple characters. Both actors master the rise and fall of telling a great ghost story, skillfully guiding the audience to use their imagination above all else.

It also goes without saying that the production’s lighting is the other star of the show. Beginning with lights up, we seem to be lulled into a sense of quiet security however this doesn’t last long, as the lighting gradually dims and the shadows grow, the moments of complete darkness are terrifying! With the minimal creative effects, we are also reminded that silences can be as terrifying as loud blood curdling sound effects.

The intimacy of the Oxford Playhouse also adds to the success of the production. Second time round, The Woman in Black was for me, still full of surprises, jumpy moments and set my nerves on edge and I loved every minute!

Chilling, gripping and timeless – The Woman in Black is a must-see and will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Rating: 5/5
The Woman in Black is at the Oxford Playhouse in Oxford from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th February, for more information https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-woman-in-black or to book tickets, visit or call the box office on 01865 305305
The Oxford Playhouse, 11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW