Theatre Royal Windsor – until 7 March 2020
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
3.5 ***
The Black Veil is written by Charles Dickens and Directed by Karen Henson.
Set back in the 1800’s in London. Stephan Ruggles (Christopher Brookes) who plays a young, chatty, well spoken, polite, very committed and newly qualified Doctor, who has come to London in order to set up practice and start his new career. He returns home one stormy evening, warming himself up in front of the fire when an old mysterious lady dressed in black, covering herself with a veil asks for his help. He invites her in to get warm, as outside the weather is ghastly and she is soaked through and concerned she will get a chill. He asks her to take his chair in order to get warm and dry. She remains quiet at first, takes a seat, asks him to sit with her with just a hand gesture which comes across very creepy and wondering if she will say anything at all!
Once both seated Ada Crawlings (Dorkas Ashar) begins to talk and reveal that she needs his help and seems somewhat distressed as her grandson is ill. She plays the part well, slowly moving around the stage with a walking stick at times, has a rough old voice, her appearance and her demeanour make the audience feel somewhat sorry for the position she has found herself in, but also the feeling that something isn’t quite right and that maybe she has an ulterior motive. She continues to tell Doctor Ruggles that her grandson is ill but is very adamant that he is unable to attend to him straight away and only until the following morning. Leaving the doctor confused and a little unsure but he finally agrees to help but why does she remain uncovered? And why has she chosen him in order to help her? As the story unravels there becomes many twists and turns.
Although the first half seems slow at times whilst building the story, the second half unravels very quickly, is lively with lots to absorb. The Black Veil is a well plotted, chilling and eerie thriller to watch.
The set was very dark with the use of black sheeting hung from around the stage, giving it quite a frightening bleak look throughout. With a chair set before a very effective pretend fireplace, with the use of just a flickering light to give the impression of a fire burning before them. Everything looked darkened and shadowy to fit in with the dramatic feel of the show . The lighting perfect for the show, with their shadows appearing in the background throughout. The sound affects were exceptional and sombre fitting in well.