Review: The Woman in Black at Milton Keynes Theatre

After a sharp intake of breath as the lights dimmed, I watched on as two truly superb actors kept me gripped from beginning to end and set my imagination free to experience live theatrical horror at its best.

It’s the early 1950s and Arthur Kipps (Julian Forsyth) is carrying a heavy burden upon his shoulders that he is desperate to be rid of. So after years of silence, Arthur enlists the help of an actor (Antony Eden) to finally tell his story through performance on stage.

And what a performance it is. As Antony Eden takes on the leading role of Mr Kipps, Arthur uses his memories to play a variety of other characters that he met at a small market town on the east coast.

While working as a solicitor, Mr Kipps was sent to attend the funeral of Mrs Drablow, a recluse who had no friends or family and therefore no one to sort out her paperwork and finances.

What first seems like a jolly seaside holiday quickly turns into a haunting experience that lives with the old man for the rest of his life.

It is soon apparent he is not the only one that’s had a run in with The Woman In Black and it isn’t likely that he’ll be the last.

Because I had seen the play in the West End years ago, and the film with Daniel Radcliffe just last year, I felt prepared for the spooky ghost story that awaited me last night.

But before long my clammy palms and quickened heartbeat gave away just how much the fear had taken hold of me.

Of course I survived it, or else I wouldn’t be writing this review, but will you?

Do not miss it. Showing at Milton Keynes Theatre from now until Saturday 13. For tickets call 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

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