Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 10 January 2026
Reviewed by Andrew Bramfitt
4****
If you think you’re safe in the theatre, The Woman in Black is here to prove you very, very wrong.
Opening at Darlington Hippodrome, this latest touring production of the classic ghost story reminds us why it has terrified audiences for over three decades. Stripped-back, shadow-soaked and deliciously unsettling, it proves that when it comes to horror, less really is more — and the theatre remains one of the most thrilling places to be scared witless. Under the assured direction of Robin Herford, this PW Production stays fiercely true to the essence of Susan Hill’s original tale. There are no cheap tricks here — instead, fear creeps in quietly, building through atmosphere, sound and the uncomfortable feeling that something is watching you from just beyond the light.
John Mackay delivers a gripping performance as Arthur Kipps, a man desperate to confront a past that refuses to stay buried. Mackay, well known for his extensive stage work and screen appearances, brings a haunting intensity to the role, drawing the audience into Kipps’ psychological unravelling with unnerving ease. Alongside him, Daniel Burke is superb as The Actor — initially playful and sceptical, before being pulled into the same chilling reality. Burke’s background across theatre and television shines through in a performance that balances wit, precision and mounting dread.
What makes The Woman in Black so effective is its trust in the audience’s imagination. Sparse staging, clever lighting and perfectly timed silences allow fear to bloom in your own mind — often far more terrifying than anything explicitly shown. The Hippodrome itself becomes part of the experience, its creaks, corners and cavernous space lending themselves beautifully to this classic chiller. It’s a reminder that live theatre can offer thrills no screen ever could.
So, if you’re in the mood for a night of elegant terror, jump scares earned the hard way, and a ghost that refuses to be forgotten — take your seat… if you dare.