The Woman In Black (10/01/2026)

Around 13 or so years ago I went to see The Woman In Black at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham. I had seen the film (which came out in 2012, so it will have been around that time) so knew the basic plot, but at the time I was also studying drama and theatre at A-level. I remember being mesmerised by the two actors on stage creating such a thrilling atmosphere. Quickly after seeing the production, I purchased Susan Hill's novel which had inspired both the film and the play, and was equally enthralled by it.

This January, I decided it was time to see the play again, this time at Darlington Hippodrome.

Photos from Darlington Hippodrome's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/darlingtonhippodrome/photos/-the-woman-in-black-is-here-at-darlington-hippodrome-this-week-the-running-time-/1306982061460336/

Although the story was originally written in 1983, and adapted into a play in 1987, it still feels completely accessible to today's audience. Most of the drama is set in the early 20th century, although the minimal costuming and simplistic set design mean it could take place at any time. It is a classic ghost story and is being told to us as such. 

For those who haven't seen it, the premise of the play is that Arthur Kipps (our main character) wants to tell his story, so he enlists the help of an actor to help him tell it. There's a bit of introduction, then they jump into the characters that Arthur met on his journey and tell the story between the two of them. Clever use of set, lighting, sound effects, and just plain brilliant characterisation transport the audience on the train, to the northeast of England, and to Eel Marsh House (via pony and trap!) to witness the story as Arthur recalls it.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1309689104522965&set=-the-woman-in-black-is-here-at-darlington-hippodrome-this-week-the-running-time-

This latest production didn't disappoint. John Mackay and Daniel Burke pair together beautifully, bouncing off each other's energy and controlling the narrative flawlessly. So much of this play hinges on the actors' abilities to create suspense and atmosphere with their storytelling, and the reaction from the audience was clear. Yes, the Woman appearing can be horrifying (especially the appearances that you don't necessarily anticipate!) but the real art in this play rests within the urgency of their voices, the timing of their delivery, the volume and pitch. Not to mention the portrayal of the emotional turmoil that Kipps is clearly under - a man who has been carefree up to now, with the logical mind of a solicitor, and is suddenly trapped inside his own ghost story.

And here's something I didn't know before writing this blog: as of 2023 when the play finished its run, it was the second longest running non-musical production in the West End - second only to Mousetrap.