“The Woman in Black lingers with you long after you have left the theatre“
Fiona Hallenan-Barker
4 cobwebs out of 5
Theatre Royal
Sydney
30 July – 17 August
Theatres can be magical places filled with superstition and spirits. There is a tradition of leaving a “ghost light” on when the theatre shuts down in order to light the ghosts playing on stage so that they don’t disturb the props and scenery. In a dark theatre anything can happen.
The Woman in Black is a play steeped in nostalgia and theatrical tradition. Based on the 1983 novel by Susan Hill the play opened in 1987 and ran until 2023, making the production the second longest running production in British history after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.
Despite having similar ingredients to a gothic novel The Woman in Black is pure ghost story. Hill was influenced by Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White to create a story of a ghost and a haunted house with atmospheric weather. Playwright Stephen Mallatratt added a deserted theatre and a few big dollops of trickery to create the perfect mix for a spooky night out at the theatre.
The story follows Arthur Kipps, and ageing man who wishes to unburden himself of his lifelong curse by sharing his story with his family. He has written a five hour manuscript and employs a young man to help him learn to recite it. Legendary actor and musician John Waters plays Arthur Kipps. His performance is astonishing in its rigour and vitality. Daniel McPherson, known to Australian audiences for his television appearances brings his expertise to the role of ‘the Actor’. He has a dynamic energy and has clearly learned a thing or two from touring productions around the United Kingdom. The world of the play is conjured by these two stellar performers who meet in a deserted theatre to tell the tale.
The theatre around us becomes the world of the play and we are invisible within it. Waters is incredibly funny as old Arthur Kipps, incapable of taking direction and reading his script in a dull and monotonous way. “Think of your audience!” cries the exasperated young Actor. Slowly the plan emerges for the Actor to play a young Arthur Kipps and for Kipps himself to support the recital by playing all other roles, eventually taking them on with gusto and delight. Both performances are physically and emotionally engaging. Both actor’s incredible precision and skill are on display in every moment.
Creaky doors, deep shadows and things that go bump in the night can often be silly to watch on film but in the theatre The Woman In Black creates an tight atmosphere that takes us gently on a journey into darkness and despair. Every breath, gasp and whisper of an audience member adds to the tension of the show. The opening night audience were thrilled which only added to the illusion of terror. There is an appetite for frightening stories on stage in Sydney currently, perhaps we all need to feel shocked from the safety of a comfortable theatre seat.
The direction by Robin Herford is expertly handled with impeccable rhythm. There is a wink and a nod to classical theatre traditions with the raked stage and multi-functional furniture items. The story conveyed to the audience is one of nostalgia and terror. The lighting by Kevin Sleep is sophisticated and subdued tones are carried through to the costumes and stage items designed by Michael Holt. The use of sound and silence by Rod Mead and Sebastian Frost is flawless and keeps the audience anticipating each twist and turn in the story.
While the twist at the end is flag-posted at the beginning of the first half, it is the detail of the story that keeps the audience enthralled. The interval breaks the tension nicely and the second half ratchets up the horror elements. A must see for anyone studying acting, there is an online education resource with guided creative activities and script excerpts. This production is one for young and old but certainly not for the feint hearted or cynical. The fun comes from suspending your disbelief and going along for the ride. Being in the audience of A Woman In Black is like riding on a roller coaster. It will get very scary at some stage and that is part of the thrill.
The Woman in Black lingers with you long after you have left the theatre; purchase a ticket if you dare…
Fiona Hallenan-Barker, Theatre Now
