The Woman in Black (Tour - Darlington)

I was tempted to give this one star in order to save everyone from being terrified by this haunting play, but everyone should see this acting tour de force.

Telling the story of Arthur Kipps, old Arthur (Julian Forsyth) takes the unnamed actor (Antony Eden) through his spine chilling tale. Young Arthur is given the job, by the firm of Solicitors he works for, to travel north to sort out the affairs of the late Alice Dablow. Visiting her house, cut off by tides and sea fret, Arthur experiences far more than he bargains for.

With Forsyth taking on the various bit parts of characters along the way and Eden, at times, acting a monologue, we are treated to a genuine spooky experience.

Special mention must go out the sound and lighting directors because its partly their fabulous setting that helps to build the atmosphere, the elderly theatre also lends itself to the effect but the power the imagination is the main clincher in this tale. Sitting in the auditorium, petrified, surrounded by people audibly screaming is an experience in itself.

If you are not of a nervous disposition, get along to the Civic Theatre in Darlington before it ends for a nerve-racking, suspense filled masterpiece.

- by Lindsay Sykes