The Woman in Black: A Ghost Play

By Stephen Mallatratt

Stephen Malatratt Based on the novel by Susan Hill. Drama/Thriller Characters: 2 male, 1 extra Bare stage The framework of this spine tingler is unusual: a lawyer hires an actor to tutor him in recounting to family and friends a story that has long troubled him concerning events that transpired when he attended the funeral of an elderly recluse. There he caught sight of the woman in black, the mere mention of whom terrifies the locals, for she is a specter who haunts the neighborhood where her illegitimate child was accidentally killed. Anyone who sees her dies The lawyer has invited some friends to watch as he and the actor recreate the events of that dark and stormy night. A classic of the genre. "A real theatrical spine chiller. . . . A truly nerve shredding experience."- The Daily Mail "Provides a pleasurable ripple of fear down one's spine and an uncomfortable lurch in the pit of one's stomach."- Time Out New York "A brilliantly effective spine chiller.... The narrative is gripping."- The Guardian . "A gripping tale, grippingly told."- The Financial Times

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0573040192
• ISBN13: 9780573040191
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: Samuel French Ltd
• Length: 84 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Project to take on

I have seen this production twice onstage and both times were captivating. Both - college lab productions. Scary, intriguing and nicely written.

Imagination is the key

Imagination is the key to this play; both seeing it on stage and also reading it. I somewhat agree with the previous reviewer, in that the written stage directions may seem a bit difficult to envision by the armchair reader, but those who are familiar with the setup and format of plays should not be too put off. I had the fortunate accident of seeing this play in London several years ago (accident in that I arrived 15 minutes late for a play that began earlier than I thought--so I went to see this one instead). It is quite chilling and there were quite a few audible screams from the audience as I remember. Stick with it and you'll be glad you did.