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THE WOMAN IN BLACK to haunt the Fortune Theatre for the final time

Photo credit: Tristram Kenton

PW Productions have announced that after 33 extraordinary years in London’s West End, the theatrical sensation that is Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, will play its final performance at The Fortune Theatre on 4 March 2023.

Producer Peter Wilson said: “The Woman in Black’s miraculous theatricality has never faltered. Out of a gauze, a wicker skip and a door Stephen Mallatratt and Robin Herford conjured a complete world into which generations of young people have entered, surrendering to the ultimate magic of theatre: their own imaginations. However, the economic reality of attracting so many young people has caught up with us in a world of rising prices.

“My thanks to Charles Kay and John Duttine, the first cast in 1989, to the generations of actors who have maintained the tradition of excellence while inhabiting Susan’s marvellous novella and Stephen’s extraordinary adaptation, to Robin Herford – who has directed every cast over the 33 years - to all the staff at the Fortune and of course the team at PW Productions.”

Writer of the novel, Susan Hill, said, “I am extremely sad that The Woman in Black is closing at The Fortune Theatre in March next year. It has been the perfect home for us for over 33 years. I am especially proud that Stephen Mallatratt's wonderful stage adaptation of my ghost story has given generations of young people the opportunity to experience the enjoyment and the life-changing impact of theatre.”

The Woman in Black has played over 13,000 performances in the West End and been seen by over 7-million people in the UK. In June 2019 the production celebrated its 30th Anniversary in London’s West End with a special gala performance.

The Woman in Black currently stars Julian Forsyth as Arthur Kipps and Matthew Spencer as The Actor. It is directed by Robin Herford, with designs by Michael Holt and lighting by Kevin Sleep.

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