Editorial Review

Adapted from the novel by Susan Hill, this gothic ghost story started out in 1989, and after many successful tours, is taking a brief respite from its West End base to tour the UK.

Having heard many stories about just how frightening and atmospheric this play could be, I went along with a few preconceptions, although I hoped that my horror-film desensitised mind would not be too disturbed. How wrong I was.

Arthur Kipps (Paul Chapman) writes a play in order to tell of the terrible events that he survived when, as a young solicitor, he is sent to attend the funeral and sort out the affairs of Alice Drablow- a widow who lived alone in the remote Eel Marsh House, separated from the world by the Nine Lives Causeway. It is here, among the saltmarshes and legal papers that Arthur sees a young, gaunt woman dressed in black. Despite his questions, the locals refuse to help him and so Arthur must confront the sense of unease within the house and the appearances of the woman alone.

Years on, Arthur Kipps asks a young Actor (Daniel Coonan) to help put on this play and describe the horrors he endured during his brief stay. A vividly spooky and wildly atmospheric play, the convention of ‘a play within a play’ allows the cast to demonstrate to the audience the theatrical tricks they intend to use. However, this did not serve to lessen the fear built up among the audience and at one point the auditorium, almost as one, screamed aloud.

This has to be one of the most phenomenal theatrical performances in the UK at this moment, and is definitely one of the most chilling. The proximity and tangibility of the stage and cast meant that this realism ensured the production was far more frightening than any horror film.

Packed with twists, turns and unexpected surprises, this production leaves the audience with goosebumps and even, in some cases, shaking with fear.

Hanging on the fantastic performances of the two-man cast, this is an incredibly well produced and effectively spooky play. Unfortunately, it has now set a precedent that, for me, few other plays will live up to.

Plot Summary

• Tagline: A spine-chilling ghost story
• Plot Synopsis: When a friendless old widow dies in the seaside town of Crythin, a young solicitor is sent by his firm to settle the estate. The lawyer finds the townspeople reluctant to talk about or go near the woman's dreary home and no one will explain or even acknowledge the menacing woman in black he keeps seeing. Ignoring the towns-people's cryptic warnings, he goes to the house where he discovers its horrible history and becomes ensnared in its even more horrible legacy.

Product Details

• Actors: Adrian Rawlins, Bernard Hepton, David Daker, Pauline Moran, David Ryall
• Directors: Herbert Wise
• Format: DVD Video, Dolby Digital, Full Screen, Color, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo)
• Subritles: -
• Disc Origin: Region 1 (USA) Original
• Region: All
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (Full Screen)
• Number of discs: 1 (1 x DVD5)
• Rating: UNRATED
• Studio: BFS Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: August 8, 2000
• Run Time: 100 minutes