Reader Reviews
The Woman in Black (Fortune Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Just seen this April 2011. Outstanding acting by Anthony Eden and Patrick Drury,how they remember so many lines.!Nice twist at the end.Only downside is that I didn't find in frightening at all, and apart from 1 scene quite predictable whenthe ghost would appear.However the quality of the acting made this a great production - Nigel Osborne | 17 Apr 11 |
| Great for teenagers....adults, not so much. It was a bit silly. - 81.171.142.181) | 06 Nov 06 |
| really enjoyable and scary at times slightly slow at beginning but makes up for it with fast paced second half - 62.252.64.30) | 18 Jun 06 |
| I went o see this play when i first visited london! i loved every secound of it and what made it even better is that daniel coonan is my cousin and i got to see back stage and all the dressing rooms after the show! - 86.135.98.65) | 17 Jun 06 |
| Not at all scary, drags on. Theatre is always full of bored kids on school trips. - 195.92.35.134) | 05 Jun 06 |
| I am not sure how the WOS review has ended up with three stars for this show. This is theatre at its best! A highly effective shocker of a play, that uses the two (three!) actors to maximum effect. The lighting and set are all key to the story and be warned of the loud noises. I was very skeptical at the start of the play, but give it half and hour and you will be screaming with the rest of the audience. - 195.93.21.8) | 14 Feb 06 |
| I have seen the show 3 times now , having taken various young family members over the years and I never get tired of it. The set up is so simple yet effectve and the play ratchets up the tension with the most minimal of effects. Really great stuff. I saw the show two nights ago and brought my two 15 year old nieces who just loved it.I think the current cast (Paul Chapman and Daniel Coonan) are probably the best I have seen so far as they play the humour very well at the beginning and then really go on to make the most of the nasty stuff in the second half. Everyone who is at all interested in theatre should go and see the play. Its really great entertainment and keeps you and the family on the edge of the seats!! - 80.44.140.107) | 29 Nov 05 |
| Rly scary, great atmosphere - 212.219.191.134) | 28 Nov 05 |
| Wonderful! I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. I was nearly sitting on top of my seat. Wow! I'd love to go again simply to watch the audiences reactions. "It's like a rollercoaster!" to quote a delighted theatregoer who was sitting behind me. - 62.252.0.10) | 04 Aug 05 |
| What can be said about this production. I am certain everything has already been discussed at some point in the long history of this play. And yet it remains a compelling piece of theatre. It starts so slowly, but it just keeps building. I have to say I spotted the twist quite early (surely a product of my watching too many scary movies!!), but the acting skills of Paul Chapman and Daniel Coonan gave exquisite performances. You could see Paul Chapman's Kipps becoming a more accomplished performer with the passing of time between rehearsals and Daniel Coonan's Actor becoming more involved in the story being told. This combined with as precise and polished technical team as you could want meant there were no unwanted hiatus' and Act 2 fairly raced to a conclusion where events turn out as you somehow always knew they would. This play is surely all the better as it does not rely on the technical wizardry available today. Instead, at it's core is the human ability of each person involved. And yes, we all jumped out of our skins!! - 194.200.154.253) | 26 Jul 05 |
| The Woman in Black (went on 4/6/2005 at 16:00) This has been the first ever theatre performance I have been to and I was completely fascinated and captivated by the play and the acting. Utterly faultless. We should all stop being critics and enjoy the shows not analyse it. - 82.35.155.125) | 07 Jun 05 |
| A really good night out - it's amazing how two actors in a small theatre can really send chills down your spine. It's been running in the West End for ever, and it's easy to see why. - 80.46.145.244) | 19 May 05 |
| Saw it two years ago and again this week, this cast isn't great but it's still thrilling, if a bit less traumatising without the gravitas that a better cast brings to it. - 81.156.177.186) | 02 Apr 05 |
| Chilling, gripping, wonderful. Absolutely bloody terrifying. See it if you dare! - 81.156.178.164) | 31 Dec 04 |
| "She's all in your mind" the publicity says, and this is certainly an exercise in suspense rather than shock (think Hitchcock rather than Hammer). Ingeniously theatrical in presentation, this is a great night out. - 81.134.69.67) | 27 Oct 04 |
| absolutely brilliant, i slept with the light on for months!!! i'll definately go to see it next time im london. me and my friends were screaming like mad and clinging to each other all through the 2nd half. the 1st half left me wondering what everyone thought was so scary but the 2nd half left me wondering why they hadn't done it justice! i was truly horrified! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (64.69.191.231) | 18 Sep 04 |
| WONDERFULLY THEATRICAL. A TOTALLY PLAUSIBLE GHOST STORY PLAYED WITH SUCH CONVICTION THAT IT SCARED ME S**TLESS! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.255.64.8) | 28 Jul 04 |
| i do indeed love to read these comments and see that the people who didnt appreciate it still gave it 2 stars. I thought it was absolutely fantastic, truely gripping and terrifying. Anyone who hasn't seen it is really missing out. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.105.228.18) | 15 Jun 04 |
| I went to see Woman in Black this May and it was excellent. This is the second time i have seen this in two years and i thought that i had a better understanding for what was happening, unfortunately i was still scared witless. The actors made the play much better and its been changed to suit them, thouroughly enjoyed it. One thing that i and the rest of my group that went to see it were confused with was the era it was set in. With the use of a torch light it made me question the period of time and i thought that the use of the tourch light was periodically wrong due to the sense of a victorian age. The play is a must see but is not for the faint hearted as it is 'spine chilling'!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.43.139.148) | 28 May 04 |
| Two actors acting out all the parts of a lightweight ghost story. A couple of very loud screams over the sound system at unexpected moments. That's as frightening as it gets. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.130.13.29) | 14 Apr 04 |
| I must be one of the few people who hadnt seen this, and I had been missing out! Although the 1st half starts slowly, its the 2nd act that really gets you. Very well staged, well acted, and yes its scary. Admittidely I didnt find it as scary as I thought I would, but the tension is built up well, and the setting of the old theatre really adds to the atmosphere. My sister (early 20's) found the whole thing terrifying, where as I only found it scary in parts, but very eerie. This is good old fashioned story telling at its best, and because its staged in an old fashioned way with no real special effects it all makes for a creepy experience. Having seen the Mousetrap, if you were going to see one or the other, see the Woman In Black, there is nothing like it. I honestly cant't recommend it enough. TIP: Dont book dress circle number 1, especially at the front, theres a wall right in front of you! Try and get 3 or higher. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.174.228.177) | 13 Apr 04 |
| Great show! The Cast is great the script is swell. Made me jump a few times! Would recomend to anyone!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 30 Mar 04 |
| The various opinions given on this site echo the fact that you either love this play or hate it. Personally, I found it extremely entertaining, very cleverly plotted, and immensely enjoyable. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.37.28.33) | 15 Feb 04 |
| Saw it in late 1993. Still remember how bad it was. Maybe horror cannot be conveyed effectively on stage but regardless i didn't think much of the script. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.56.109.153) | 21 Jan 04 |
| This is the most chilling, gripping, scary, spine tingling play I have ever seen! I first saw this play 10 years ago and have seen it a few times now, I saw it again yesterday (30/12/03), and it still scares me to death! Excellent!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.168.34.226) | 31 Dec 03 |
| I've seen a lot of plays and this is the worst one. Do not bother going - look under your bed...it will provide the same effect. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (131.137.220.42) | 27 Oct 03 |
| i thought it was great. I saw it on a school trip and i thought it was the best, jumpy and most entertaining horror ive seen in a long time !! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.69) | 22 Oct 03 |
| Saw it October 15, 2003. Truely boring. The only scary part was when the ghost screamed when we weren't expecting it, making us jump. A true waste of money. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.224.83.102) | 16 Oct 03 |
| Having been tos ee this on a sunny sunday afternoon, it was not the most atmospheric time to see this sort of play-however, the cast is excellent, the story truely chilling-you will be scared and one image at the end will haunt you for days! Highly recommended!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.153.219.170) | 16 Sep 03 |
| This is a gripping piece of theatre and extremely enjoyable. The only problem with the current cast is that althought Pip Donaghy is great playing a host of role, Colin Hurley is a big old ham- really old fashioned and over the top declaiming all over the place, makes it hard to take him seriously later on. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.56.7) | 05 Aug 03 |
| Totally unexpected and it's does what the leaflet says,"..spine chilling".Well recommended!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.131.97.226) | 03 Jul 03 |
| Seen the show twice in the past year and both times it was very tight. Excellent casts both times. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.56.7) | 02 Jul 03 |
| An excellent production! The acting , direction, lighting and atmosphere was spot on. A play that finally lives up to the hype provided via word of mouth reviews. Shiver-tastic! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.108.78.10) | 28 Jun 03 |
| I really enjoyed it, didn't expect to be scared but I was. Great acting and there was a brilliant atmosphere in the the theatre. Definitely recommend it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.111.24.43) | 27 Jun 03 |
| Having seen this last night for the first time in some years, I think that it is about time for something new at the Fortune. The production really has had it’s time, if I had paid £32.50 to see this play I would not be too happy. Colin Hurley playing the Actor really hams it up and is sometimes too cringe worthy to watch, Pip Donaghy as Mr Kipps is far better, but still leaves the first act rather boring. The second act and the screaming is still rather funny but feels like going through the motions, but the audience is my real gripe. They seem to be schoolchildren from various UK and European locations who seem to be intent on, in no particular order, talking, moving about, eating noisy sweets or even crisps and reacting manically to the recorded screams EVEN the second time and the third time… A very tired and tiring evening. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.56.7) | 27 Jun 03 |
| If you're thinking of going to see this show then all I can say is i hope you have a good imagination, because you're sure gonna need it. Other than a couple of "scary" bits, it's really rather dull. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.131.238.83) | 18 Jun 03 |
| I have seen this twice now and could go again and again. It never fails to frighten me at times and the acting is never short of brilliant! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.77.95.84) | 27 Apr 03 |
| The only reason I was scared was that everyone had told me how scary it was...I kept waiting for something scary to happen and nothing really did! It was acted quite well and the atmosphere was good, but it was ultimately dissapointing. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.2.42) | 13 Apr 03 |
| Some scary stuff on that stage, acting was superb and so was the timing. A friend cried in her seat through the fear. AMAZING! A must see! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.9.168) | 10 Apr 03 |
| This play is alright but hardly ground breaking. I give it 3 because as far as an entertaining west end show goes, this is very good. However it is not as good as everyone thinks it is and occasionally the acting and directing is a bit stale. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.225.204.148) | 03 Apr 03 |
| Probably the best play I've seen to date. Acting was spot on as was the lighing and sound affects. I don't think I can't remember the last time I was so scared. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.195.200.234) | 19 Mar 03 |
| Excellent. Wonderful acting, superb use of sound and light, and supremely scary. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.132.171.41) | 07 Mar 03 |
| Excellent production who's simplicity adds to the fear factor. Having read the book I can honestly say I still got shivers as the story unfolds. This play is superb, ditto the acting. My only criticism is that from the back of the stalls the low ceiling slightly detracts from the feel. This should not reflect on a refreshing evenings entertainment away from the usual vacuous fayre of the West End musical. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.36.217.135) | 24 Feb 03 |
| Absolutely terrifying. Brilliant - USER: Whatsonstage.com (131.251.0.5) | 08 Feb 03 |
| How on earth can you have found it dull? I caught the play twice whilst on tour earlier this year, and was astounded by how two men, a laundry basket and some hats can construct such a terrifying premise. Hopefully, I will be able to go to the Fortune next year to see the play again. I urge anyone who has the opportunity to see it, go now! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.194.75.146) | 20 Dec 02 |
| This is actually pretty dull. A few moments of adrenaline, but shock factor rather than actual talent in the writing or the direction - don't bother. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.66) | 19 Dec 02 |
| Made a return visit the other day, showing it to some enthusiastic friends. I take my cap off to Robin Herford's direction and to his current cast, Robert Demeger and Timothy Watson. It's as effective today as when I first saw it twelve years ago. Even more, maybe. Everything at the Fortune was so tight and slick, it more than made up for so much disappointing new stuff I've seen recently. Was there ever a cleverer stage adaptation of a literary work that Stephen Mallatratt's transformation of The Woman In Black? I am a huge Shared Experience fan, and The Mill On the Floss can't be far behind this one, but for theatrical brilliance through economy of means TWIB is in a class of its own. It must be the most well-deserved long-runner of them all. Job - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.144.131.11) | 02 Dec 02 |
| I have seen some of the worst horror movies but none of them compare to this. I was terrified. It was absolutely brilliant. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 09 Oct 02 |
| I have NEVER been so scared by a play ever. Ive now seen it twice and would gladly pay good money to go back and see it again tomorrow. Even better, if possible, than the book. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 30 Aug 02 |
| I love this show. It's teh one I recommend to everyone and take people too when they come to visit. Seen it 4 times now and it can still get me. A briliant show to be able to build up such an atmosphere with just a cast of 2 and only a few hours of time. Creepy! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 31 Jul 02 |
| Prepare to be scared out of your wits, Amazing acting, recomended to anyone who wants a scare - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 12 Jul 02 |
| Nothing beats a live performance. The fear produced shivers through the whole audience and stays with you even as you leave only to discover fear is actually brown! Lighting and sound pushed so far to the limits I swear you cannot hesitate but to scream so loud. The Woman In Black is a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller guaranteed to chill. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 07 May 02 |
| I went to see this play as part of my A level theatre studies course and thought it was amazing. It incorporated the ideas of Brecht, Stanislaviski and Artaud in to one fantastic and scary play! Both a learning experience and a plesure to see!! Well worth a visit! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 02 May 02 |
| This show is so good. I was amazed that 2 and a bit people could put the wind up the audience so well, especially the school kids who'd come along on a school outing, thought they'd be a pain but they were enthralled and as scared as the rest of us. So glad I finally got myself along to see it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 08 Mar 02 |
| So bad I wanted to go screaming from the theatre and wring everyone's neck involved in this claptrap. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Mar 02 |
| ive seen this play twice now,still very scary second time round , the blood curdling screams really do the buisness, ive already booked a date to go a 3rd time. excellant!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 28 Feb 02 |
| Absolutley fantastic. Saw this about 8 years ago and I was soooooo scared. The WIB walked right past me through the stalls up onto the stage at one point in the performance. How scary was that. It's coming to my local theatre this summer so I will take my unsuspecting BF along with me to see it he he... - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 27 Feb 02 |
| I've seen it 3 times with groups of kids I've taken traveling in Europe. Each time they are completely stunned by the suspense and fear created. It's a great show for kids...no sex, bad language, nudity, etc. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 25 Feb 02 |
| An absolutrly marvellous production which I can't recomend highly enough. I must admit that I was sceptical about how a play could be so frightening as the reviews informed me but it truely is amazingly eerie. The second half is much more exciting than the first but the rather repetitive although original opening few scenes are worth sitting through just to experience the amazing power of the second half. Go and see it if you are a lover of high quality theatre or just if you want a worthwhile night out with friends- and I do recomend seeing it with friends, you won't feel to comfortable walking through the dark streets of London alone straight after seeing this! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 19 Dec 01 |
| I've seent his twice now, and it still scared me even though I knew what would happen. a tip: never, ever, sit infront of the sound effects speakers... ghostly horse and trap coming out from behind you head???? help me! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 29 Nov 01 |
| I went to see the play as part of my GCSE course. I found the play engaged the audience from the start and I found myself on a rollercoaster of emotion along with Kipps. The use of minimal set was well judged as it allowed the audience to visualise this in their own way. The plot is terrifying and Robert Herford did it justice. A recommendation to everyone!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 31 Oct 01 |
| this is the most amazing play...scary every time! i would recommend everyone and anyone to see this, and will be returning soon myself with an unknowing batch of friends! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 21 Aug 01 |
| After 12 years, The Woman In Black still has the power to scare the entire stalls! I jumped at least 10 times. The atmosphere builds up beautifully and the theatre with its creaky doors and low ceilings- compliments this old fashioned but delightful play. If you have avoided this play thinking that it could be old hat- go see it and surprise yourself. But buy a programme as you will need something to hide behind! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 07 Jul 01 |
| First see the show, then buy the book (which can be had at the theatre). This is outstanding. I've seen it twice, and will see it again next year. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Jun 01 |
| this play was fantastic ive been twice and going back for a third time 100% recommended - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 27 May 01 |
| It is th ebest and most scariest play I have ever been to see. It is a must. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 15 May 01 |
| This is a brilliant play, scary with lots of great effects and acting. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 14 May 01 |
| This is a must see show. The atmosphere that builds up is magnificant and the theatre itself adds to this. I would highly recommend this - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 11 May 01 |
| Save your money. The tube journey to the theatre was more interesting. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 13 Apr 01 |
| I've seen it three times. Just as terrifying each time. It's the element of surprise that gets you - and watching the audience laughing after their own unexpected screams. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 08 Apr 01 |
| Still sends a shiver up the spine. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 06 Apr 01 |
| Brilliant - especially if your in the top stalls in the Fortune - major vertigo as well! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 04 Apr 01 |
| I was amazed that the actors and sound and lighting people could scare me so much!! Everyone was fantastic! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 30 Mar 01 |
| I am more scared going to the toilet at night in the dark than I was watching this apalling play. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 07 Mar 01 |
| Good and a bit scary - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 08 Feb 01 |
