I’d watched the film a while ago, with my adult son by my side, and it was jumpy. Even though every time I looked at Daniel Radcliffe I thought of Harry Potter. Then my son told me that he’d heard that the theatre experience was more frightening.
I’d asked a few folk on Twitter beforehand whether I should be scared about attending the live production. The response was overwhelming – I needed to take a cushion (to hide behind) with me. Great.
So I met my pal and we embarked on an early supper. With a glass of wine to steady our nerves. It didn’t help that when we arrived at Richmond Theatre there were signs saying “The most terrifying live theatre event you’ll see”. Mmmn.
I was hyped. The stage set was surprisingly simple. And things got off to a bit of a slow start – no doubt lulling me into a false sense of security. I was confused – it wasn’t like the film. And within three minutes I had nearly jumped out of my seat.
There are just two players – Julian Forsyth playing Arthur Kipps (and an assortment of other characters) brilliantly and Antony Eden (playing the actor). You have to see it to understand and I don’t want to spoil it by telling you too much. The published description gives little away:
“A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a ‘Woman in Black’, engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but as they reach further into his darkest memories the borders between make believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep...”
When I bumped into one of the very smartly dressed people we’d seen earlier in the restaurant during the interval, she said that it wasn’t at all like what they had expected but that they were really enjoying the production.
Through inspired lighting and artful sound recordings, and just two actors, this is the craft of theatre at its finest. You cannot fail to appreciate how skilfully these few elements were combined – with a ghost story – to create tension and drama. And to draw you into the story. And to have you jumping out of your seat. A lot.
The woman behind me screamed out loud. And I must have bruised my poor friend’s arm at one particularly scary bit. Sorry!
Further details: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-woman-in-black/richmond-theatre/ It’s on until Saturday in Richmond.
