The Women in Black – Liverpool Playhouse

Writer: Susan Hill

Adaptation: Stephen Mallatratt

Director: Robin Herford

In recent years the Christmas ghost story had a bit of a resurgence, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in whatever guise is seldom off our television screens or live productions are played out in theatres across the UK during the festive period. However, in recent years it’s the tradition of telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve that has come back in fashion, with writer Mark Gatiss bringing back the Christmas ghost story for the BBC each Christmas Eve. With this in mind it has to be said that the Playhouse, Liverpool has pulled off a masterstroke this festive period with their choice of The Women in Black for their Christmas show

Based on the 1983 Novel by Susan Hill and adapted for the stage by the late Stephen Mallatratt, The Women in Black sees retired solicitor Arthur Kipps attempting to tell the terrifying story of his time at isolated and desolate Eel Marsh House, located in the market town of Crythin Gifford. To fully do justice to the horrors he encountered, Kipps enlists the help of an unnamed actor to help tell his tale.

The two men are at odds with what they want from the experience: The Actor wants to tell this intriguing tale using all the craft of theatre and performance at his disposal. Whilst Kipps, desire is to unburden himself of the horrors he encountered in the hope that he may finally find some peace. What follows is a nightmarish journey filled with frights, thrills and the occasional nervous laugh as we bear witness to the full horror of Eel Marsh House and the sheer evil of The Women in Black.

The Playhouse is the perfect theatre to stage this production, as soon as you took your seat, it was cold, which at first was a little unsettling, however soon it became part of the experience. The look and feel of the theatre adds to the aesthetic, this coupled with the actors using not just the stage but, the theatre walkways increases that highent sense of fear, you are constantly on the look for the next big scare!

In addition to the gift that is the Playhouse, designer, Michael Holt and lighting designer Kevin Sleep, have created an eerie, bleak space, that brings to life the gothic splendour of Eel Marsh House. Whilst Sebastian Frost’s haunting sound design marries perfectly with the visuals.

The production is anchored by two outstanding lead performances: Malcolm James as the older, world weary Mr Kipps, as well as playing a multitude of characters, the young Mr Kipps encounters is on fine form. It’s a master class of character acting, and fully conveys the anguish the Arthur KIpps is living through. Mark Hawkins plays the confident unnamed actor, and the younger Arthur Kipps to perfection: effortlessly shifting from the brash, cocky showmen, to blind, panic and terror as his situation becomes all the more desperate.

It’s not all doom and gloom, Stephen Mallatratt’s script is littered with humour from the start, and whilst these die off as the action progresses, the humour comes in the form of audience gasps and shrieks, as we jump from one shock to another. Under Robin Herford’s direction the production has a near perfect flow, striking the balance of humour and horror, building to an unsettling climax.

It’s easy to see why The Women in Black has survived the last 35 years; it evokes a wide range of emotions and as a live theatrical experience still packs a punch. It has to be said for me watching it at this time of year, in the middle of the holiday season, added more to the experience. Atmospheric,, some laughs and bigger scares, this is the perfect festive treat for those who wish to be scared witless!

Runs until 30th December 2023