One thing that never fails to draw in a large crowd is a spine-chilling ghost story, retold in a way that leaves an audience member on the edge of their seat.
‘The woman in black’ does not disappointment in hitting this criteria and guides you through an immerse experience which will make you scream, gasp, and hold on tight to the person next to you.
The first act begins with Arthur Kipps (the main character) attempting to retell a story which took place many years ago, when he worked as a junior solicitor. Arthur is asked to attend the funeral of Alice Drablow, the sole resident of Eel Marsh house.
Without a second thought, he embarks on a rather large journey into a small, picturesque town in an isolated area of England. However, he rapidly learns, that this is no ordinary home he is entering into, and that nothing about this seemingly unchallenging job is ordinary.
Due to the cast of three, ‘the woman in black’ is a carefully crafted production which enables an audience member to utilise their imagination to tell the story. By using minimal props, the lighting and sound produced by Richmond theatre is what truly brings this performance to life.
It allows the audience to feel like they are apart of the play from the comfort of their seats. The actors entering onto the stage through the isles of the audience removed the boundary of where the stage ended and where the audience began. As well as the use of smoke machines which once it spread into the audience made you feel like you were apart of the performance.
This fast moving, intense play definitely is an excellent use of your Saturday evening. It’s unpredictable twists and turns will leave you with a night you will remember. Especially when you try to go to sleep!
