JUDGING by the shrieks and screams emanating from York Theatre Royal on Monday night, you would be forgiven for thinking that Hallowe'en was still in full swing as it plays host to Stephen Mallatratt's theatrical thriller sensation, The Woman In Black.

Having run for almost 30 years, this production has delighted and terrified over three million people and the reasons for its long life and popularity are evident.

Arthur Kipps (Malcolm James) is a demure middle-aged solicitor haunted by his past and his encounters with the vengeful spirit of the woman in black. Determined to exorcise his demons, he vows to tell his story to the paying public through a theatrical reading of his memoirs. Enter The (unnamed) Actor, played by Matt Connor, on a mission to help Kipps stage his tale.

The tale is told through a play-within-a-play and here the production really shines. The Actor portrays Kipps and, conversely, Kipps plays every other inhabitant of the sleepy haunted town of Crythin Gifford. James’ capacity to multi-role is astonishing and it is often hard to believe you’re only watching a cast of two.

The transformative power of the production extends into the design, which almost acts as a third cast member, sweeping you through cities, moors, and the desolate and isolated estate where the hellish apparition resides.

This production lives on the power of suggestion and imagination which makes its story all the more haunting. Director Robin Herford masterly crafts an atmospheric tension certain to leave even the most stoic of audiences unnerved. The interplay of anticipation, unexpected shocks and creeping eeriness throughout is a masterclass in live horror.

The real power of the piece is its ability to get your heart racing, not only as you experience real, unadulterated fear, but also as you witness the power of theatricality at its best.

Box office: 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

- Stephanie Faye Bartlett