Woman in Black

Certainly the scariest show in the West End, The Woman in Black relies on quality the of acting and an eerie atmosphere rather than big budgets, big sets and big stars. Many audience members have been known to scream, shake and even cry with fear at this piece of stunning theatre. Amazingly, such horror is evoked only by two men, the only two actors in the piece, who work with very few props often simply miming actions, such as, at one point, a horse and cart ride.

The story tells of a young lawyer who is convinced that he and his family are suffering at the hands of a curse inflicted upon them by the horrifying Woman in Black. He enlists an actor to attempt to tell his story in order to excise the curse from him and set his mind at rest. As the story moves along, however, we find that the reality may well be scarier than the fiction which is being enacted upon the stage; the idea of a quasi-play within a play makes what one is witnessing all the more unsettling .

Stephen Mallatratt’s version of the novel of the same name has been creeping out audiences in the West End for over 15 years and is a wonderful antidote to the often feel-good overload which many other big shows offer. The Daily Mail has described going to see the play as a “nerve-shredding experience” whilst The Times described it as “hideously real”. Indeed, and whilst not wanting to give too much away, the first time one sees the much fabled Woman in Black is a moment which does not allow you to return so quickly to your seat, nor for your heartbeat to return to a normal pace.

Obviously, the strong horror element to this show means that one shouldn’t bring children along and those of a weak or easily scared disposition are likewise advised to stay away. For others though, this really is a celebration of theatre at its pure best. The strength of just two actors to hold the stage at the Fortune Theatre for almost 2 hours deserves to be applauded and it really is an example of masterful acting conquering showy props and complicated scenery. If you don’t mind losing a couple of nights sleep after you’ve seen it, then this is certainly one not to be missed.

Visit Theatre tickets to book your seats to see The Woman in Black and other top shows.