It’s the legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story The Woman In Black that ran for an incredible 33 years in the West End’s Fortune Theatre, and it’s coming back to Lighthouse Poole this month for a five-night run from Tuesday 17 February.
Seen by more than seven million people worldwide, the story of Arthur Kipps, a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a woman in black, continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
In desperation, Kipps hires a young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
John Mackay, who appears in the award-winning film hit Hamnet, as well as in Blitz and Bridgerton, plays Kipps with Daniel Burke, whose credits include the UK tour of The Girl on the Train and Troilus and Cressida for the Royal Shakespeare Company, is The Actor.
Director Robin Herford commissioned his friend Stephen Mallatrat to adapt Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story for the stage in the autumn of 1987.
“In essence, the play has changed very little,” says Robin. “Moving into larger theatres gave us greater scope for special effects, for example, the addition of a hidden staircase at the back of the stage, but its basic simplicity has been preserved, because that is built into the concept of how the story is told.
“We use the magic of theatre, with such basic tools of light/darkness and sound/silence to build tension and atmosphere, and all the time, I have tried to ensure that the audience’s imagination continues to be the main driver to the action of the play. I show as little as possible and try to rely instead on the power of suggestion.”
The Woman in Black brilliantly delivers atmosphere, illusion and… horror.
Opening on Tuesday 17 February, it will run until Saturday 21 February with matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are on sale now at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or on 01202 280000.
Photo Credit Mark Douet
