The Women in Black gets personal

There’s a chilling, uncomfortable atmosphere in the room. The audience look anxious for what’s ahead, clutching their seats, desperately seeking safety behind their coats. All while they wait tediously for the terrifying Woman in Black whilst the occasional chair creaks. You can almost touch the fear amongst the dispersed audience in the crisp, chilly air. The sound of treacherous screams fill the room as she suddenly appears from almost no-where, running maliciously down the aisle of the audience.  

The re-enactment of the gothic horror novel The Woman in Black has been running successfully in the Fortune Theatre for over 10 years now, the story has become notable to be some-what of a West End legend. The Fortune Theatre first opened in 1924 situated in Covent Garden, lying on the outskirts of the City of Westminster in London. The Fortune Theatre is not particularly one the most famous or largest theatres in the West End, nevertheless it most definitely would win the award for the coldest theatre.   

Originally written by Susan Hill in 1983 The Woman in Black still accomplishes to remain scaring the wits out of audiences in theatre productions all around the world. Although there have been numerous interpretations of the chilling novel, all interpretations contain the crucial, hair-raising element which is of course The Woman in Black herself. Initially the story focuses on young Arthur Kipps, a prosperous solicitor from London who is pursued to attend a funeral in a strange, petit village on the east coast. The funeral is situated in a peculiar looking house isolated from the rest of the village, during the service he witnesses a strange, pale woman dressed in black. After numerous days of spending in the haunted house he comes across frequent, paranormal experiences from the bitter vengeful woman.  

This thrilling novel works successfully in the theatre, especially in such an old fashioned theatre due to its notable creaky seats and Shakespearean décor. The theatre adaptation created by Stephen Mallatratt effectively leads the audience into a false sense of security. In the opening scene there’s two jolly men joking and chatting amongst eachother creating a play about the woman in black based on what the man claims he has witnessed a long time ago. Although the production was simplistic, with unimpressive set and lack of props, it suits the story. The theatre cunningly uses dramatic devices such as the metanarrative technique to shock the audience.  

Previously theatre has been associated with upper class and being expensive however the Woman in Black is reasonable priced accommodating tickets for only fifteen pounds.

According to The Woman in Black website over 7 million people have come to see the show keen theatre go-er Melissa expresses her opinion after seeing the show, “I have never been so terrified in my life; I saw the adaptation of The Woman in Black before the film and jumped out of my seat. I got seats at the back inconveniently right beside the speaker that blasts screams when the woman appears. A show has never shaken me up that bad before, it was brilliant.” says keen theatre goer Melissa. 

The Woman in Black received a big hype from the media recently due to the film adaptation featuring Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe being released. Unfortunately it’s distracting to see such a well-known star playing such a serious role. It’s hard to take it as earnestly when you recognise the actor and often without thought people will compare a franchise actor back to their famous role in this case Harry Potter. 

The film production succeeds to generate an eerie atmosphere but then again films have the advantage of using sound effects and camera angles to effectively induce more tense scenes and moments. Despite Daniel Radcliffe’s reputation of being Harry Potter he pulled of the role of Arthur exceeding many critics’ expectations. Using typical horror conventions and dramatic techniques the film plays on common fears, using dolls and toys in a creepy manner to scare the audience. 

Theatre productions seem to be increasingly more effective at making a connection with audience. In a way theatre productions manage to be much more memorable. It’s the significance of being in the moment with real people on stage unlike watching a film play adaptations of stories are more effective. Similar to seeing a band live in comparison to a cd. It’s increasingly more real and connects emotionally with the audience manufacturing a sense of reality for the audience.  

The Fortune Theatre is undoubtedly the best home for The Woman in Black story. The Daily Telegraph explains, ‘The most brilliantly effective spine chiller you will ever encounter…if you haven’t seen this show yet you are missing a treat.’