The Woman in Black Touring Production Praised for Restraint and Performances

The touring production of Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of Susan Hill's Gothic classic 'The Woman in Black' has been reviewed by Claire Parsons for ArtsHub. The production, directed by Robin Herford, features John Mackay as Arthur Kipps and Daniel Burke as the Actor/younger Kipps. The narrative uses a play-within-a-play structure where the older Kipps recounts a traumatic past with the help of an actor. Herford's direction is noted for its discipline, using minimal staging and relying on suggestion. A notable device is the use of smoke to mimic sea-fret, deployed only twice per act, which creates disorientation. Sound and lighting are used to build tension, with silence and darkness exploited effectively. The review highlights the performances of Mackay and Burke, describing Mackay's as a masterclass in precision and Burke's as intelligent and controlled. The production played at Bristol Old Vic from 21-25 April 2026.