Now celebrating more than three decades in the West End, The Woman in Black is still thrilling audiences at The Fortune Theatre, combining a clever plot, an immersive experience, superb performances and a guarantee to make you jump and scream - and that's just for starters.

The Fortune Theatre is the perfect venue for this show. Yes, the theatre is a little dated and could do with a lick of paint in a few places, but it certainly adds to the overall thrilling nature of the show. The secret to this show is the theatrical magic that can be created by simplicity rather than complexity (and maybe a ghost thrown in for good measure!)

If you are new to the story, Stephen Mallatratt’s excellent stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling ghost story starts very low key, and even brings plenty of comedy to the fore. Arthur Kipps, played by Julian Forsyth, has paid for the services of The Actor, played by Matthew Spencer, to help him present his recollections of his terrifying encounter as a young solicitor with a ghostly woman in black, an experience that has haunted him ever since and indeed brought tragedy upon his family. His hope is that by presenting the story, he can diminish the effect it has over him. What follows is just a wonderful piece of old school horror including creepy houses, strange noises at night and ghostly apparitions.

Julian Forsyth as Kipps is wonderful, jumping in and out of different characters as the plot demands. Similarly, the energy and range from Matthew Spencer as The Actor is incredibly impressive and a masterclass in acting.

While The Woman in Black is certainly not suitable for very young audience members, it is terrific piece of theatre that everyone should experience at least once. The Woman in Black has become a staple in the West End and we certainly hope that it stays at The Fortune Theatre for many more years to come.

Thrilling and immersive.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Ryan Bishop

The Woman in Black is currently booking at the Fortune Theatre until 29 April 2023, with tickets available here.