By KATH GANNAWAY
HAVING blitzed the Victorian Drama League Awards with the ghost thriller ‘The Woman In Black’ in 2013, RedFox 3 Theatre Company is preparing to share the scare and put Yarra Valley audiences on the edge of their collective seats.
Described variously as ‘a terrifying trip through time’ to a ‘theatrical spine-chiller’, Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story has been produced in 40 countries and is now in its 28th year in London’s West End.
It was the perfect choice for director Justin Stephens’ newly-established Redfox 3 when Chris Mclean and Kieran Tracey performed at The Basin Theatre in 2013.
The production took gold in best set, lighting, sound, actor in a drama (Chris Tracey), director in a drama (Stephens) and Best Drama Production overall.
Chris McLean joins the original crew for performances at the Arts Centre in Warburton on 20 and 21 August, and at The Memo in Healesville on 27 and 28 August.
A ghost story like no other, the scene is set when a lawyer, obsessed with a terrible curse he believes haunts him and his family, hires a young actor to help unburden the memory of The Woman in Black.
Stephens said delivering the chill down the spine of the audience relied on the storytelling of the actors.
“They do that incredibly well,” he said.
Combining old and modern theatrical techniques, the production relies on atmosphere, hints, glimpses and suggestions, heard and sometimes only half-seen.
“We’ve had grown men sitting with arms crossed, saying this is not going to scare me, and they’ve screamed the loudest,” he said.
“It’s wonderful to get that reaction, and as actors and directors to feel that tension in the room.”
Stephens who lives with his young family in Chum Creek said he was looking forward to bringing The Woman In Black even closer to home and to audiences with whom he is wanting to create an ongoing connection.
“I’m keen to catch up after each performance to speak to local people about the types of shows they want to see in the valley,” he said.
Tickets can be booked through 1300 368 333 or online at http://goo.gl/9foF06.
