Live theatre is still an option for many at the moment. Those inhabiting London have a plethora of options to currently choose from, including, The Woman in Black. The famed horror story has garnered so much attention that it even made its way into cinema years ago starring Daniel Radcliffe. Now, the frightful tale has presently made its home at the Fortune Theatre in London’s West End. Of the few who may not know, the experience is far different than seeing it play out on a movie screen. Live and in the moment, prepare for a shock in real time.
The Woman in Black. The famed horror story has garnered so much attention that it even made its way into cinema years ago starring Daniel Radcliffe.
Starring Max Hutchinson and Terence Wilton, and directed by Robin Herford, The Woman in Black tells of a legend more sinister than most average people can imagine. The stage play offers theatre goers something of a play within a play to tell the story. Arthur Kipps has hired a young actor to help him with the live reading of his manuscript. Following criticism for his delivery of the write up, the two agree to perform it, thus giving the audience a chance to see the story through Kipps’ eyes. As a young Kipps, The Actor (Hutchinson) divulges the dark story of the Woman in Black and how the consequences of him seeing her would later come to affect his entire existence; with Kipps (Wilton) playing all of the other characters as well as narrating the events as they happen. A certainly chilling account, nothing could’ve prepared The Actor for this.
At first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything special about the set. Initially the audience can only see what looks like a small chest, a chair or two, and a backdrop that looks like nothing more than a sheet concealing the rest of the stage. Later though this proves to have been a wise decision, as the lighting design eventually reveals what lies behind the sheet as well as offering the audience a murky view of the action that takes place behind it. The acting is mostly in the hands of Hutchinson as most of the plot revolves around the memory he’s attempting to play out. Hutchinson is capable, immersing himself to a point where it’s almost forgotten that he’s only a channel for showing the narrative. Wilton, for being his age and being tasked with playing multiple characters, exceeds expectations as a performer. He easily changes dialect, posture, and cadence as he moves between playing different characters.
The actors do their job, and the crew is equal in their efforts when displaying this unnerving piece. There is emotion, there is horror, there is pain, and there is tragedy. The best way to enjoy this one is to ignore what’s been seen in the movie (those who haven’t seen the movie are certainly at an advantage for this). The stage play is its own thing, and should be treated as such. The show just opened in September, but not to fret, as it will be running until April 2022.
