REVIEW: Woman in Black returns to Lowry Theatre

A TERRIFYING rendition of the Susan Hill novel The Woman in Black returned to Salford’s Lowry Theatre last week.

This minimalist production featured only two actors (three if you count the woman in black) and three different sets. 

But the show featured all kinds of twists and turns with dramatic lighting used to create a tense and frightening atmosphere.

David Action as Mr Kipps and Matthew Spencer as The Actor were convincing from the start.

Their performances were incredible,switching to play multiple roles without ever confusing the audience. Indeed it was difficult to believe that the new characters were being played by the same people.

The Woman in Black first came to the Lowry Lyric stage in April 2001 and since then has visited the theatre another seven times.

The woman in black at the Lowry was fantastic ! Loved it ! ?@The_Lowry pic.twitter.com/BovGI7HroZ

— Charlotte Darley (@Charlottedarley) March 20, 2017

Where usually a performance might leave the audience on the edge of their seats, the Woman in Black makes you want to sit as far back in your seat as possible, almost as a way of protecting yourself from the terror.

Following the success of the production, Susan Hill’s story became a major motion picture in 2012 starring Daniel Radcliffe and led to a sequel, The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death.

The theatre production however is much different from the motion picture, with a slightly different storyline which shows a lawyer who believes a curse has been cast over him and his family, seeking the aid of a young actor in the hopes of ridding himself of the darkness.

The sound effects used in the performance add to the fear you feel from start to finish, making you jump when you least expect it. The sound of a rocking chair creaking backwards and forwards, frightening screams and loud bangs all add to the experience of the Woman in Black and making you feel as though you are living it yourself.

If you would like more information or would like to buy tickets for the performance visit the website here.