The Woman in Black
Fortune Theatre
SHOW TIMES
Opened: 07 Jun 1989 Booking from: 22 Jun 2017
Booking until: 03 Mar 2018
Duration: 2 hours
81 MEMBER REVIEWS
Add a review >- aprilmackenziemcqueen 6 reviews 0 helpful votesThe Woman in Black, 20th June 2017An amazing show. Acted by two (well actually three actors). I hate horror movies so was hesitant to see the show however, It was such a great experience. Really fun and it did make me jump at times but didn't mess with my mind like some horror movies do. The dress circle was 80% empty and we'd been upgraded from the upper circle in advance, which leads me to believe that the show isn't selling well. I would hate for this show to close because people aren't seeing it, when it is so much fun to see. The acting is phenomenal and much of a better night out than more popular shows such as an American in Paris.Sat in Dress Circle C7My seats were upgraded to these seats in the dress circle, from the seats that I had bought in the upper circle. The seats are in the centre section, two seats in, and the third row from the robot. This means that you have a great view of the stage. The only thing that you may occasionally miss is when the actors step down off other stage but this does not impede the experience of the show. The photo looks as though the lady in front of me obscured my view but seats are actually well tiered so it did not. I'm 5ft 2 so not at all tall but it was impossible to sit with my legs together. Leg room is pretty poor but thankfully the seats are high backed so at least they didn't cut into me like other they have in other theatres.
View from Dress Circle C7 - AlexPhillips 171cm or 5'7" male 20 reviews 0 helpful votesThe Woman in Black, 9th May 2017I was ready to be suspended and spooked, and, boy, was I! The story is casually meta: a play within a play. The transitions between the script reading and the fictional story were executed brilliantly. The intimacy of the venue and the audience-level staging only added to the suspense. The two male actors were superb and, of course, the third actor kept us all on the edge of our seats! A fantastic theatrical experience all around.Sat in Stalls C14Considering the small theatre venue, there was a surprising amount of legroom. This seat is right by the stage so you have a wonderful view of the actors. It is also situated on the aisle, and all I'll say is you really are right by the drama. (She's behind you...!) ;)
View from Stalls C14 - RomaRadford 5"10 female 30 reviews 0 helpful votesThe Woman in Black, 18th March 2017This show is a thrilling, tense piece of theatre that left me on edge but was hugely entertaining. Both actors were superb and I could tell understood the play totally and acted it very well. It was scary at times, but I would recommend it.Sat in Upper Circle Box C2I enjoyed sitting in the Box because it added to the tension of the show, as we were sat away from the rest of the audience. I had a pretty clear few of most of the stage, except the far right which was obscured, so I had to lean forward to see what was happening. This was a little annoying, however there was more than enough legroom and the seat itself was comfortable.
View from Upper Circle Box C2 - hannahcrawshaw 5"7 female 26 reviews 0 helpful votesThe Woman in Black, 22nd November 2016Very good performance of a hard book to illustrate. Very good use of set and props as well as the use of only 3 actors playing all the roles however this caused a few confusions when they changed!! Would recommend to adults/teenagers who are interested in this era and genre.Sat in Upper Circle E16Good view to see all of staging, leg room very good!! Comfort was quite average, slightly uncomfortable towards the end of the performance.
View from Upper Circle E16
THE WOMAN IN BLACK SEATING PLAN
If you sit in the central Stalls, around row G, you might be in for a surprise…
STORY
Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story is brought to life on stage in Stephen Mallatratt’s effectively eerie adaptation.
The Woman in Black is one of the West End’s longest running shows and the second longest running play after The Mousetrap, having played continuously at the Fortune Theatre since 1989.
Testament to the power of a good ghost story, the terrifying show famously employs just two actors to create the haunting atmosphere. Taking the form of a play within a play, an old man employs an initially skeptical young actor to help him tell a story that "must be told." The two men set about rehearsing the story of The Woman in Black with the younger actor playing Arthur Kipps and the older actor playing all the other characters. Instantly the audience are transported into this gripping story.
Young lawyer, Arthur, is sent to the small town of Crythin Gifford to put the affairs of a recently deceased client Alice Drablow in order. It is at her funeral that he first notices the appearance of a strange woman who appears to suffer from some sort of wasting disease dressed all in black. Arthur is unnerved to find that none of the villagers will speak of her. His work leads him to the home of Alice Drablow, the ghostly Eel Marsh House, which is reached only by a causeway and cut off from the mainland when the tide is high. When sorting through her numerous papers he begins to unravel the mystery of the "woman in black" that will lead him to a terrible conclusion.
Making a stage play scary is a notoriously hard task but Robin Hereford’s production masterfully manages it. The horror found in the play is more down to the art of suggestion and takes place within the imagination of the audience. Ingenious staging also ensures there is more than one shock in store...
In 2012 the story was made into a Hollywood film starring Daniel Radcliffe which attracted a whole new audiences to the London’s spookiest show.
The Woman in Black is one of the West End’s longest running shows and the second longest running play after The Mousetrap, having played continuously at the Fortune Theatre since 1989.
Testament to the power of a good ghost story, the terrifying show famously employs just two actors to create the haunting atmosphere. Taking the form of a play within a play, an old man employs an initially skeptical young actor to help him tell a story that "must be told." The two men set about rehearsing the story of The Woman in Black with the younger actor playing Arthur Kipps and the older actor playing all the other characters. Instantly the audience are transported into this gripping story.
Young lawyer, Arthur, is sent to the small town of Crythin Gifford to put the affairs of a recently deceased client Alice Drablow in order. It is at her funeral that he first notices the appearance of a strange woman who appears to suffer from some sort of wasting disease dressed all in black. Arthur is unnerved to find that none of the villagers will speak of her. His work leads him to the home of Alice Drablow, the ghostly Eel Marsh House, which is reached only by a causeway and cut off from the mainland when the tide is high. When sorting through her numerous papers he begins to unravel the mystery of the "woman in black" that will lead him to a terrible conclusion.
Making a stage play scary is a notoriously hard task but Robin Hereford’s production masterfully manages it. The horror found in the play is more down to the art of suggestion and takes place within the imagination of the audience. Ingenious staging also ensures there is more than one shock in store...
In 2012 the story was made into a Hollywood film starring Daniel Radcliffe which attracted a whole new audiences to the London’s spookiest show.
SUITABLE FOR
If you love a good ghost story then this is the play for you. If you haven’t seen this play before you’ll be amazed by the atmosphere that can be created by just two actors.
Age Recommendations: Recommended for 10+ (scary)
Age Recommendations: Recommended for 10+ (scary)
PHOTOS AND VIDEO
