The Woman in Black

[rhona_j]

My husband and I are off to London for the weekend soon and we're planning on going to see the Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre while we're there. I read the book at school and saw the film and loved both, but my husband had never even heard of it. So, my question is, should I get a copy of the book for him to read before we see it, or should he just go and enjoy the play? I know it will probably be very different from the book, but just wondered. Thanks in advance.

[mimififi]

I went to see it without knowing the story at all and it absolutely knocked my socks off. It was the most amazing piece of theatre I've ever seen.

Don't spoil it at alll for him, just tell him to go and enjoy it!

I'm very envious; I wish I were coming with you to see it again. Which theatre are you going to? Drury lane?

[rhona_j]

It's at the Fortune Theatre, I think that might be round the corner from Drury Lane, not sure though, I don't know London very well. I'd heard the play was very atmospheric and have been desperate to get the chance to see it. Thanks for your reply, I'll not bother telling my husband anything about the story.

[Hermia]

Just let him experience it in it's full glory not knowing what he is letting himself in for! I thought the first half was slightly slow, but I think that is deliberate as you jump out of your skin in the second half. There were a few men sitting near me who looked embarrassed because they got spooked!

[ARSENAL]

I saw the Woman in Black at the Fortune a few years back. It is a cracking little theatre and adds to the atmosphere (not much leg room). The play was brilliant and has been adapted for the stage - so is a bit different from the book / film. I loved the book and film - to be honest it is that good a story I think your husband will enjoy it in any format.

I videod the film years ago and kept it - but you can probably get it on dvd now. My advice will be - let hime see the play, have a bit of 'time off - rent or buy the film one winters night and watch it together wine a nice bottle of wine, then buy hime the book! I hope you have a nice time!

[raysparx]

i saw it last year at North Wales theatre,loved it,it was a fantastic show.

[robbo82]

Would agree that it's best to go to it not knowing anything about it. I saw it at the Fortune on a whim a few years ago, and found it spellbindingly superb. It then came to the theatre where I work so I saw it again a few times, and, while it was still enjoyable, it lacked the excitement and thrill of seeing it for the first time. I didn't even know there was a film of it, is it just a filming of the stage version or a film in its own right?

[lynlockwood]

I read the book, saw the film and saw the play in that order and still screamed in the theatre! I have seen the play three times now and it is just starting to wear off a little. But when you hear that rocking chair...

[rhona_j]

Thanks all for the advice, I will definetely let him see the play without telling him anything about it. I'm so looking forward to it now, I've heard so many good reviews!

robbo82, the film is an actual film and not just a recording of the stage play, well worth a look.

[Meadowgrover]

As an addendum I believe it was not actually a feature film but rather a feature length television adaptation if I remember correctly. Enjoy the stage version Rhona - especially if you are sitting next to the aisle in the stalls!