The Woman in Black – Liverpool Playhouse

Step back in time with one of the most popular and spine-tingling tales in the history of London’s West End, ‘The Woman in Black’ by Susan Hill. Currently touring the UK after its successful long reign in London, I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing last night’s production in Liverpool’s very own Playhouse. The playwright for this production was Stephen Mallatratt and it was directed by Robin Herford. The tale of the Woman in Black has had audiences gripped for over 30 years, it’s legacy and accomplishments have led it to become an equally prosperous film franchise starring Daniel Radcliffe.

A macabre tale of one Mr Arthur Kripps (Philip Stewart), a young and carefree solicitor who has his future mapped out with his soon-to-be-wife, is sent to an unsettling and ominous estate to finalise the will and affairs of one Alice Drablow. If only he hadn’t undertaken this task…what he witnesses proves to be disconcerting, terrifying and deeply troubling for the young solicitor, something which, despite his wishes, he will remember forever.

You are thrust into the story after the event, when Mr Kripps approaches an actor, who throughout the show is known only as The Actor (Daniel Burke) to help him to ease his troubles by finally being able to tell the story of his visit.

Both actors, Stewart and Burke, are on stage for the whole performance as this essentially is a two man show. An immense feat and a very wordy and lengthy script. Both did a superb job of portraying their characters and seamlessly switching between roles. Stewart took on many different types of roles within the story, from his overall principle role of Mr Kipps down to the smaller but essential roles, such as members of the community. He was able to switch his temperament and disposition to quickly and easily help the audience distinguish between not only the characters but also through his voice and appearance he demonstrated their class and status within the performance. A wonderful demonstration of the sheer breadth of this actor’s skills and abilities. Burke who shone in equal capability and artistry as he too switched from playing his own principle role, which is that of a capable and confident actor, to also portraying Mr Kripps and showing how real storytelling should be done. At the beginning, quite humorously, you see how a story should not be told before Burke’s character enchants the audience and demonstrates exactly how an actor can manipulate and capture an audience. The two performers were immensely talented and had the audience laughing, gripped, anxious and terrified all the way through.

The lighting (Kevin Sleep) and sound (Sebastian Frost) really shine in this production, from the moment you step into the auditorium the staging is set with eerie and atmospheric lighting which is combined with a haunting and grim set design, old sheets and cloth draped around and simple props on stage; making you wonder what may be lurking. It is instantly apparent this is a cold, bleak and unpleasant story which is about to unfold. The designer for this production was Michael Holt who I’d say incorporated all elements well to really hook their audience. The lighting was on point all the way through, illuminating scenes, sections, expressions and continuing story behind gauzes. The sound, as so cleverly pointed out in the production itself, is where you bring the audience to the action, safe to say, this sound production really does and with perfect timing throughout. Projection onto the large cloths were used cleverly to depict different scenes and speakers were used independently to throw sound around the auditorium. A very immersive experience for the audience.

Costumes had good attention to detail and the time period and demonstrated class for the characters they represented. Burke and Stewart constantly changed costumes subtly on the stage to create new characters and keep the action moving. No major costumes changes are needed to keep the fluidity of this performance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this performance, and I think the actors were very diverse and strong in their presentation of such as an intricately spine-chilling tale. My only criticism is that the first half, although good, was slower and not as spectacular as the second. I found myself willing for the story to move on so that we could get to the nitty gritty. This however, would not put me off seeing this performance again as I stated earlier it was excellent. If you are a fan of the unknown, the creepy, the dark and devilish, then get yourself along to ‘The Woman in Black’ you are guaranteed a scare.

A good old fashioned ghost story which is sure to put a tingle in your spine and remind you that the past is not always at rest…

Playing until 28^th February, https://everymanplayhouse.com/

Reviewer: Steph Wiswall

Reviewed: 24^th February 2026

North West End UK Rating: