The Woman In Black- Alhambra Theatre Bradford
Author Susan Hill's award-winning story hits theatres again.
In an old Victorian theatre, a lone man quietly reads from his script, stuttering over the text. A younger man rushes to the stage from the stalls area, telling him his projecting was all wrong and instructing him how best to deliver his story. "It's not my forte," says the man we know to be Arthur Kipps portrayed by John Mackay, dressed in a long black tweed coat and scarf, glasses perched on his nose.
The other man, known only as the Actor, suggests he perform the story alongside him. Thus begins a haunting tale, with some humorous byplay between the two men, set on Christmas Eve—a play within a play. Kipps eventually begins to get to grips with addressing his audience. It's not his forte though… remember?
So begins an intriguing premise, as the two men act out this strange tale, mostly seated on a large wicker luggage trunk and accompalying chair,with just a coat stand as props. The lighting and sound narrate just as much as the performers, with busy street sounds and the rattling of horse-drawn wheels as they "drive" their carriage.
It's towards the interval that we get our first glimpse of the Woman in Black. She appears as if from nowhere, almost hidden in the shadows—then, just as quickly, she's gone. Unsettling.
A creepy backdrop of a Victorian house looms behind a large net curtain. An old rocking chair moves. Lights go out. Creaking stairs are climbed. Very effective lighting carries much of this atmosphere.
The second half begins apace as the story builds to its crescendo. A simple outline of an illuminated cross represents a church, marking another appearance by the play's ghost—startling the audience. Smoke creeps in from the wings and envelops the Actor, while Kipps stands stage right narrating. The effect is chilling, his delivery growing more frantic as his confidence increases.
Likewise, the Actor searches the moors amid the fog, calling for his wife, with Daniel Burke really getting his teeth into the role.
I've personally reviewed a few supposedly "scary" stage plays in recent months, and few have lived up to that claim. Tonight, however, did—creepy at times, suspenseful at others.
By the end, you really feel for the characters, such is the strength of the acting… or perhaps the "acting"? Either way, by the play's denouement no one could doubt that dear Mr Kipps had found a new forte.
John Mather ★★★ ★
Thanks to the Alhambra Theatre Bradford for the complimentary review tickets.
Production Photos.