Expectations were high last night at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, as the highly successful Woman In Black returned to the stage. This well-known and loved play promised to provide an eerie spectacle, and by the time we left, we were suitably discombobulated! However, not only were we unsettled, we were also deeply impressed with the quality of the production, the acting on display and the atmosphere created. This was so much more than a scary story.
The action takes place in a theatre where an older man is seeking help from an experienced actor, determined to tell his story to friends and family and to rid himself of the nightmares that have plagued him. We see him stumble and fluster his lines, with the actor trying to support him. It is clear that the actor himself will need to deliver the message, consigning the original reader to play the minor parts. Following the death of a client, a solicitor needs to attend the funeral and we were transported to a cold and remote marsh, a murky world where nothing is quite what it seems.
This was a play with just two actors involved, but a huge array of characters who were skillfully portrayed. John Mackay (Arthur Kipps) was able to pivot his voice, demeanour, and physical profile to make utterly believable other characters, and Daniel Burke (The Actor) responded with a shifting persona that showed his emotions as he encountered each challenge. Together, they made the perfect duo, bouncing off each other and weaving the tale between them. At one point towards the end, they seemed to morph into the same person, completely reflecting each other’s stances and reactions. It was amazing to watch.
The set was the other character in this story. What appears to be a simple and small staging area was transformed as the play progressed, revealing hidden areas and adding to the sense of disorientation. The Woman In Black herself was always lurking somewhere, but the subtle lighting changes, excellent sound and creative use of the few props available made the whole theatre part of the story. At various points, the stage and theatre went completely dark and silent, which was perfect for setting the mood.
You may think you know this story, or may have seen the film before, but these actors and this production brought a new experience to the audience. Rarely have we heard such a buzz at the end of the performance, with everyone present deeply affected. The atmospheric world of the marshes was all around us, and as we left, we knew we were still being watched.
A great production, well cast and totally enthralling. We were very impressed.
