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Terror coming in twos Malcolm James as Mr Kipps and Matt Connor as the
actor. Picture: Tristram Kenton The Woman in Black
Malvern Theatres
**** THE horror film starring Harry Potter
star Daniel Radcliffe has brought this chilling tale to new audiences in
recent years, but this play, adapted to the stage by Stephen Mallatratt
in 1989 from Susan Hill's famous novella still offers more surprises. It stays true to the novel and although probably
not as frightening as the movie, it offers an extra twist. Starting off very different to the film it is
perfect for a theatre setting, we see the hero of the tale, elderly Mr
Kipps, approaching an actor in a theatre about how to retell his macabre
story to his family. The pair end up acting out his diary (like a play
within a play) on stage, which gradually builds up the tension more and
more until a frenzied finale. It's hard to believe there are just two actors in
the show (plus a ghost) taking on all the parts and their abilities
shine as this is no easy feat. Malcolm James as tormented Arthur Kipps in his
old age and Matt Connor as the actor who becomes Mr Kipps in his youth
are easily watchable in whatever form they take on. The play seems slow to get going, but as is the
fashion with ghost stories, they make you so complacent that the shocks
have an even bigger effect. Despite a bare stage with only a few props, there
is an excellent use of lighting, sound and shadow that draw the audience
into the murky tale. The old house amid the fog is cleverly projected
on stage and cunningly, most of the terror comes from what you can't
see. There's chilling suspense over two hours that
grips and sends the heart racing just that little bit faster, but be
warned, you may also be looking over your shoulder on a dark night for a
while. To Saturday, 6 June. Alison Brinkworth
01-06-15
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