We’re no strangers to horror in the theatre. In 2022, we were utterly spooked by the stage play, Ghost Stories. In 2023, we were gripped by the cult-favourite, 2:22 – A Ghost Story. And now, the legendary tale of The Woman in Black is here Melbourne. This spine-chilling tale is the second longest-running play in West End History, after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. This ghost story by Susan Hill was adapted by Stephen Mallatratt to create a chilling play filled with atmosphere, illusion, and controlled horror. See it at the Athenaeum Theatre from now until July 6.
The Woman In Black
You might recognise The Woman in Black from the 2012 film starring Daniel Radcliffe. Or, you might have read Susan Hill’s 1983 gothic novel. The story centres around the sinister Eel Marsh House, set in the north of England. Follow Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor, who is sent to oversee the funeral of a client, and encounters many people in the nearby village who are unwilling, or unable, to share the secrets of Eel Marsh House and its inhabitants. Along the way, he experiences sightings of the fearsome Woman in Black, and slowly unravels the mystery of the past.
“I first saw The Woman in Black in 2020 and knew I had to bring it back to Australia,” said producer Alex Woodward. “It’s such an incredible gripping show that is so spellbinding, it has you on the edge of your seat for two hours.”
The show stars John Waters, who previously appeared in the 2006 Australian production. It also features Daniel MacPherson, who most recently starred in 2:22 – A Ghost Story.