Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black

Thriller, The Woman in Black is currently frightening audiences in Perth, during its fourth stop on a National Tour. This exciting play, with its gentle manner, is directed with precision and features perfectly tuned acting performances.

When Arthur Kipps approaches an actor to help him tell his “story that must be told”, the actor turns the story into a performance piece - but has he taken on more than he bargained for, and are we witnesses to the rehearsal of this presentation, being drawn into something very sinister?

Eminent and respected actors John Waters (Kipps) and Daniel McPherson (The Actor) have a wonderful rapport and are both utterly convincing throughout. The play is expertly paced, and we are gently drawn into a dark world by their wonderful and very layered performances.

This incarnation of the West End Production is as strong as we would expect in the West End and features the original set design by Michael Holt (very complete and with multiple surprises - and much more complete than many touring productions). Sebastian Frost’s sound design, from the work of Rod Mead, helps create the atmosphere with outstanding skill, and the lighting design from Kevin Sleep is outstanding in its imagery, use of shadow, and ability to create tension.

The audience are alternately on the edge of their seats or jumping in fear and giggling at their own reaction, with more than a few cuddling jackets or peeping through fingers unable to resist watching this expert wrought production.

It is rare to see thrillers on stage, let alone one so perfectly structured and performed. One of the best shows of 2024 and a must-see.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Justin Nicholas

Tour Dates

Perth – His Majesty’s Theatre – 30 May – 9 June

Melbourne - Athenaeum Theatre - From 13^th June

Canberra Theatre Centre - 9 - 14 July

Wollongong - IPAC – 17 -21 July

Newcastle - Civic Theatre – 23 -27 July

Sydney - Theatre Royal - 30 July – 18 August