If you like a good old fashioned scary ghost story then The Woman in Black, now on at the Ensemble Theatre, is definitely for you. The Woman in Black is set in the Edwardian era, when the English reserve was still very much in vogue. The main character’s (Mr Kipps) innate politeness quickly changes when his interest is piqued at strange going-ons. Interest morphs into full-blown fear when a woman in black appears. The Woman in Black is based on a 1983 horror novel by Susan Hill who writes in traditional Gothic style.
It was a sheer joy watching actors morph into numerous characters, all just as believable as the next. This down-right scary play sucks you in – its creepiness becomes all-encompassing. A special shout out goes to the sound designer (Michael Waters) and lighting designer (Trudy Dalgleish), who create a spooky atmosphere on steroids. And a shout out to set + costume designer (Hugh O’Connor) whose ingenious use of a simple trunk as a multipurpose prop is sheer genius.
Mr Kipps, played brilliantly by Jamie Oxenbould (is there a better actor on stage today, probably not), is troubled by disturbing memories of his journey to fog-bound Eel Marsh, where Mrs Drablow’s lonely house stands in isolation. Trapped by the fog, he witnessed mysterious events he would rather forget but cannot. In desperation, he enlists the help of an actor, played by Edwardian era sex symbol Garth Holcombe, to tell his tale and exorcise the demons that haunt his dreams. As the two men become immersed in Kipps’ story, eerie events materialise from the mists of the past and begin to haunt the present.
“When I first saw The Woman in Black in its debut west end run over 30 years ago, I remember the curious sensation of being terrified in a theatre. I was used to being scared in a cinema and at home watching the late-night horror on television – but in a theatre? It was an experience I had not had before (or since). I think one of the reasons for the scare factor in The Woman in Black is that it is so well written. Stephen Mallatratt’s very clever adaptation of the classic modern novel by Susan Hill takes you elegantly into the old spooky house ghost story while giving the play its own theatrical slant.” Mark Kilmurry, Artistic Director.
The Woman in Black is a delightful escapist romp into the realm of the unknown. Catch it while you can.
CAST
ACTOR – GARTH HOLCOMBE
MR KIPPS – JAMIE OXENBOULD
CREATIVES
DIRECTOR – MARK KILMURRY
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – RACHEL CHANT
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER – HUGH O’CONNOR
LIGHTING DESIGNER -TRUDY DALGLEISH
SOUND DESIGNER – MICHAEL WATERS
STAGE MANAGER – RUTH HOLLOWS
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER – JACK WILSON
COSTUME SUPERVISOR – MARGARET GILL
SPECIAL EFFECTS – BRONTE BAILEY
ASSISTANT SOUND DESIGNER – DAVID GRIGG
All photos are by DANIEL BOUD.
Showing now – till 24 July
For tickets visit: boxoffice.ensemble.com.au
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