Review: The Woman in Black

20th anniversary of London's scariest play

The Woman in Black, Fortune Theatre, Russell Street, London WC2

The Fortune Theatre is the perfect setting for this chilling tale. Intimate and eerily spooky, there have been few changes to the theatre’s interior since it opened over 80 years ago in 1924.

Set in the early 1950’s in this very theatre, ‘The Woman in Black’ slowly unfolds, never ceasing to draw in its audience. Keeping you at the edge of your seat there are heart-pounding moments scattered throughout the performance.

The staging is effectively simple and sounds from the stage echo spookily around this quirkily compact theatre creating a tense and unnerving atmosphere. There’s no need for elaborate props, as Julian Forsyth and Christopher Naylor’s characterisation of Arthur Kipps and ‘The Actor’ prove captivating enough. Not forgetting the role of the actual apparition herself - the Woman in Black- Audronne Zulumskyte, gives a powerful performance of scaring the audience witless by appearing and disappearing unexpectedly throughout.

The Woman in Black first opened in 1989 at The Fortune Theatre and 20 years later is still packed to the rafters with punters wanting a guaranteed nerve rattling experience. There’s a real pleasure to gain from watching such a diverse mix of ages in the audience, an indication that this enduringly exciting play well be packing them in at the Fortune for another 20 years time. Watch out ‘Mousetrap’!

Reviewed by Philip Barnsdall-Thompson - June 2009