The Woman In Black - Review

January 11, 2017 by Claire Cosgrove

The Woman In Black - Review

I am becoming a true devotee of The Palace in Westcliff.  Not only is this theatre beautifully traditional and ornate, it really does house some of the very best plays that are currently touring the UK. Often overshadowed by its flashier counterpart, The Cliffs, do not underestimate the more personal and intimate quality that The Palace has to offer.  Packed to the rafters, this theatre does not lack a dedicated audience. Monday night was no exception as the crowds drew for the opening of The Woman In Black, adapted from Susan Hill’s original horror novella. 

In my opinion, this play is a masterclass in theatre and what can be achieved with just two actors, minimal set and the vivid imagination of its audience. 

It follows the story of Arthur Kipps, played brilliantly by David Acton, 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.  He engages a sceptical young actor, skilfully taken on by Matthew Spencer, to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds. 

It’s so cleverly staged, playing havoc with our senses.  Sound; the stage is quiet, sombre as we slowly get drawn into the story. The tick of a clock, the gentle chatter of voices, the haunting melody of a music box, all leave the audience skittish. Sight; a pop of light, the fall of a shadow, the fog literally creeping through the audience. A tension grips the show from the get-go.

Our senses are heightened by subtle suggestions which made the inevitably frightening moments even more alarming! It’s not often you can hear audible shrieks and gasps from the audience followed by nervous giggles as we all peel ourselves off the ceiling having jumped out of our seats.

The sheer volume of content those two actors had to learn is incredible and they could not have been sharper.   David Acton not only had to embody the character of the older Arthur Kipps, but by a change of stance or switch of his coat transform himself into one of the many other characters that weave through the story.  Matthew Spencer, as the ominously named ‘Actor’ looked like he was having a lot of fun with the role, which he handled with great charm and flair.  

I was scared of my own shadow by the time I walked out the theatre, gleefully spooked by the whole experience. And an experience it was! I mean, who doesn’t love a good ghost story?  

Runs until Saturday 14^th January. To book your tickets please click the link https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=D82DDE93-C564-4FE3-B1BF-08D5AB780943