The Woman In Black Review – Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool

Synopsis Of The Woman In Black

The play begins in a way that I would have never imagined. We meet an elderly gentleman, Arthur Kipps, bumbling his way through a script of his personal story like that of a child clumsily reading a book. The character’s attempt to tell the tale (all with the enthusiasm of a piece of cardboard), in contrast to the sprightly Actor, who tries and fails to spruce up his storytelling, is initially hilarious.

However, as the story continues, we soon learn that it’s not just that Kipps is “not an Olivier”. He’s actually tormented by the ghostly experiences that ravaged the lawyer’s younger years, and through the telling of his story, is desperate to purge a menacing apparition from his past – the figure described as a Woman in Black.

As Kipps and the Actor delve deeper into the story of the woman with the wasted face, it becomes apparent that escaping her without consequence is a mammoth feat. The story is enthralling and horrifying, her effect is as tenacious as the fog and marsh that keeps Kipps returning to Eel Marsh House.

The only question left to ask at the end is: are we, the audience, safe?

Analysis Of The Woman In Black

From the get-go, it was apparent that we as the audience were in for a fright. The staging, comprised of some ragged cloth and just a few items of furniture, sets the ghostly tone. Even the theatre itself has a chilling atmosphere – both literally and figuratively. Combine this with the close proximity of the performers to the audience, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for an intimate, and indeed frightening, watch.

The range of the essentially two-man cast, played by Malcolm James as Arthur Kipps and Mark Hawkins as the Actor (alongside an impressive Ishbel Cumming as the ghostly vision), makes the performance all the more effective. The ability of the actors to switch, for instance, Hawkins’ peppiness as the Actor, diving into the role of a terrorised younger Kipps, has the audience on tenterhooks. One moment we are laughing at the subtle humour, the next, we too feel the trauma of the Woman’s haunting.

Space

What is especially effective about the performance is its use of space – be warned, the play is not solely restricted to the stage! The play creates the feel of traditional Victorian ghost story-telling, but its use of space and sound coming from all directions makes viewers feel like they are at a high-tech surround-sound cinema. Additionally, the use of fog and lighting serves to distort and emulate the discombobulation experienced by Kipps. This all helps to create the confusion and jumpiness that makes it impossible to passively spectate. As an audience member, you are constantly on edge, as She could appear anywhere, at any time. Nobody is safe.

Summary Of The Woman In Black

This play is a must-see, especially in a theatre as iconic as the Liverpool Playhouse. Its immersive nature means that securing seats in the stalls is preferable if you want to truly experience Kipps’ terror.

The play is meta in the sense that the characters are reading through Kipps’ manuscript, merely pretending that there is an audience viewing. The space thus feels all the more empty, which is quite chilling. The story has no filler parts either; every second is important to the plot. The ending is likewise stomach-churningly important, as realisations are made. It is well-crafted and truly timeless.

Notes

The Woman In Black is running in the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre from 5th to 30th December. It is a highly popular show, so book now to avoid disappointment!

Target Audience: 12+

Content: Use of smoke onstage, loud, sudden sound effects, references to death throughout; the content of the play therefore may be frightening for younger children.

Recommendation?: Yes