THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PW Productions)
After the huge success of the recent movie starring Daniel
Radcliffe, the stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s Victorian ghost story, The
Woman In Black, makes a welcome return to Malvern Theatres this week. Stephen
Mallatratt’s play is in its 25th year in London, testament to the
brilliance of this late playwright’s work.
Young, London solicitor, Arthur Kipps, travels up north to
attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow and to put her affairs in order. A
frosty reception from the locals leaves him bemused until he experiences a
series of unnatural events that unravel a past tragedy with fatal
repercussions.
Robin Herford directs a stagecraft masterclass, transforming
a relatively bare stage with a bit of furniture into a variety of locations, including
the sinister Eel Marsh House and treacherous Nine Lives Causeway, superbly
enhanced by the lighting and sound skills of Kevin Sleep and Gareth Owen,
respectively.
Julian Forsyth is perfect as Kipps who, with a little support
and encouragement from his theatrical muse, explores a catalogue of characters vital
in the telling of his tale. The epic role of The Actor is deftly handled by
Anthony Eden whose energy, enthusiasm and focus never falter, as he confronts the
demon that dwells in the darkness. Audrone Koc is unnervingly wonderful as the
infamous Woman In Black and makes much more of an appearance in this production
than before. At times this works to great effect but her more visible presence
arguably steals some of the mystery and supernatural element from the show.
Although the more modern Festival Theatre lacks the
atmosphere of the West End home of this spine-chilling story, this is still a
thoroughly entertaining night out and well worth seeing even if only for the impressive
art of creative storytelling so beautifully demonstrated.
