A Tale of Supernatural Terror
Arthur Kipps, a young London solicitor, travels to the remote village of Crythin Gifford to settle the estate of the recently deceased Alice Drablow. At her isolated house, Eel Marsh House, he encounters the vengeful ghost of a woman in black - a spectre whose appearance foretells the death of children in the village.
What to Expect
- Arthur arrives in the unwelcoming village where locals refuse to speak of Eel Marsh House
- He journeys alone to the isolated house accessible only at low tide
- Strange sounds, mysterious figures, and an overwhelming sense of dread build
- The tragic story of Jennet Humfrye, the woman in black, is revealed
- Arthur discovers the terrible curse that haunts anyone who sees her
- A climax that will leave you genuinely shaken
Theatrical Mastery
- Two-Actor Format: One actor plays Arthur Kipps, the other takes on multiple supporting roles with remarkable skill
- Minimal Set: Simple but effective staging that transforms the theatre into Eel Marsh House
- Sound Design: Crucial atmospheric effects that create the supernatural presence without being seen
- Lighting: Masterful use of shadows and sudden illumination to create genuine scares
- Play-within-a-Play: Clever framing device that draws the audience into the story
- Victorian Atmosphere: Alexandra Palace's historic setting enhances the Gothic horror
Adaptation Note: Stephen Mallatratt's brilliant adaptation condenses Susan Hill's novel into a play-within-a-play format that's both clever and terrifying, proving that theatrical simplicity can be more effective than elaborate effects.
