REVIEW: Suspense, thrills and screams as ghostly tale The Woman In Black takes to Alhambra stage

THEATRE is about illusion and done well it's an unforgettable experience .

Stage-based ghost stories can be hackneyed, corny even. But this presentation of Susan Hill's The Woman in Black is in the Premier League.

It is story telling of the highest order. Successfully creating ghostly images and the atmosphere that goes with them demands the full menu of theatrical tricks. If the row of teenage girls in the row behind were anything to go by this production hit the mark perfectly.

Rent-a -scream couldn't have done a better job. The Woman in Black is testament to the talent of playwright and adaptor Stephen Mallatratt who died aged only 57 in 2004. And director Robin Herford does his memory proud, ensuring his legacy is a play of gripping tension and thrills.

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The production is literally the telling of a story with just two actors and minimal set and props. But the skill of both the players, lighting designer Kevin Sleep and sound designer Gareth Owen combine perfectly to create an admirably atmospheric piece.

A two-handed play demands performances of the highest quality and conviction from players who can command a possibly sceptical audience.

Malcolm James and Matt Connor are just such players. Their faultless portrayals are a joy to behold.

Their job is to tell the terrible story of Arthur Kipps (James) through the eyes and ears of The Actor (Connor). It sees Connor adopting the role of the haunted Kipps bringing to life his tragic story. As well as Kipps, Malcolm James plays every other role in the tale, convincingly creating numerous characters, sometimes not without a touch of welcome humour.

Both players underlining what good writing and skilful acting can achieve. The audience was gripped - at times, except for the few nervous sniggers from the screamers you could hear a pin drop throughout the Alhambra.

As far as ghost stories go, The Woman In Black is at the forefront. As a piece of theatre it is a sight to behold - an edge-of-the-seat experience.

But if you do go along, don't have nightmares. Remember, it's only a story.

On until Saturday.