Last updated: 29 July 2023
The Woman in Black, a suspense horror genre theatre production is an adaptation of a novel by the same name. A minimalistic set and a mere cast of just three grace the stage.
The Woman in Black has been playing in the Fortune Theatre on London’s West End since a staggering 1989! It’s no surprise, that it is now one of the longest-running plays in British theatrical history, second to only Agatha Christie’s, The Mousetrap.
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The Plot
The Woman in Black‘s central character is Arthur Kipps. A junior solicitor sent to a remote island in East England to settle the affairs after the death of his client, a reclusive old woman. The island on which the house sits is deserted and separated from town by a causeway. It is here the scene is set for the disturbing events that follow.
The Theatre Experience
Scene after scene the audience is baited with innuendo and misdirection. Sound effects play a pivotal role in keeping you on the edge of your seat. The theatre is cool, almost as if there’s a ghostly chill in the air. Cast make their way through the theatre, as I sat in my seat, I noticed the row behind me was empty. Was this deliberate? I spent the next hour on edge, not sure if I would be spooked or grabbed by a cloaked ghostly figure at any given moment.
Ten minutes into the production, your heartbeat picks up. Your imagination begins to go into overdrive and your senses are on edge. You question what you see. ‘Is that shadow real? Is it her?’
Less is more…
The audience must persevere as the entire cast consists of only two speaking actors, one which constantly switches between multiple roles. The limited set provides some aesthetic simplicity to it all. Blood curdling screams, a mysteriously locked door and some voile are all key elements to the success of the production.
The Woman in Black is a feature on the British GCSE curriculum so don’t be surprised if you share the theatre with one or more groups of school-aged children. Their youthful squeals will help keep you in a permanently anxious state.
The Essentials
The Woman in Black
- When: Tuesday to Saturday 8pm | Matinee performances Tuesday and Thursday 3pm and Saturday 4pm
- Where: Fortune Theatre, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HH
- Transport: Nearest Tube stations are Covent Garden & Holborn. A plethora of buses are available from the Aldwych.
- Cost: Tickets range between £21.50-£59.50 and can be purchased through The Woman in Black website
- Verdict: If the horror genre is your flavour and you like all things scary, then this production is right up your alley!
- Notes: Large school groups should be expected while The Woman in Black remains on the GCSE syllabus.
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Disclosure: Whilst I was a guest of London Theatres, all opinions, as always, are my own. We were not financially compensated for this post, however our ticket to the performance was complimentary.
This sounds like a great show. I just wish I was in London while it was there.