Yvonne Arnaud – until 17 July 2021
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of this classic book, successfully delivers all the spine tingling drama created by author Susan Hill. The Woman in Black is cult reading and as a result the audience is filled with people of all generations, including a lot of young people.
Robert Goodale’s (Old Kipps) development of his character leads you smoothly into transitions, punctuated with humour. The drama and trepidation Antony Eden (The Actor) delivers is a master class in wordsmithery. The interplay of characters is a delight, creating a play within a play. Both Goodale and Eden create moments of suspense with not much more than a wicker trunk and a couple of chairs. None of which has meaning without the dramatic, shadowy appearance of The Woman in Black herself.
The sound and lighting play a vital part in the illusion of a creepy old grand house on the end of a desolate causeway. The creative team strike a great balance between theatrical and believable.
Although a well told story, this does not prevent the director Robert Herford from scaring the bejeebers out of the audience. A chilling tale well executed.