THE WOMAN IN BLACK | REVIEW

The Woman in Black
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Alexandra Palace, London
Cast: Daniel Burke and John Mackay 

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, engages a sceptical young actor 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.

After haunting audiences in London's West End for many years, the smash-hit play is currently touring the UK. This touring production of Stephen Mallatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's The Woman in Black is showing at Alexandra Palace Theatre from 8-25 October before scaring more audience members up and down the country well into 2026.

The story follows Arthur Kipps, (played by John Mackay) a man who believes he can exorcise a horrific and sad incident from his past by telling the tale. He does so by approaching an actor (played by Daniel Burke) to help him, and so starts our play within a play.

The stage, lighting and sounds add hugely to this production; furniture is moved around the stage to represent various scenes as diverse as a solicitors office, a train journey and a pony-and-trap ride. Kevin Sleep's lighting design sets the eerily atmosphere perfectly and Michael Holt's set design works wonderfully in transporting the audience to a plethora of locations.


Daniel Burke
is fabulous as The Actor; he is kind, confident and full of bravado, gradually succumbing to his fears as the play progresses. John Mackay plays Kipps to perfection. He starts nervously telling his tale but as he gains confidence, is able to perform the many characters he encountered during his ordeal. Mackay skips effortlessly from character to character, changing accents and posture and is totally believable in each role.

Both actors hold the audience's attention throughout, which on a fairly large and empty stage is no small feat; simply relying on lighting and sound effects to add atmosphere. A special mention must also go to the audience who added tension with their jumping, audible gasps and quiet screams.

Having seen The Woman in Black a few times on the West End stage, this touring production is probably the best so far. It's definitely worth investing in a ticket...particularly with Halloween just around the corner! 


You can book tickets to see The Woman in Black, here.

Review by Edwina

**photo credit: Mark Douet**

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