Susan Hill’s classic ghost story The Woman in Black returns to Oxford Playhouse this February, promising an evening of suspense, atmosphere and psychological horror.
The long-running stage adaptation will be at the Oxford Playhouse from Tuesday 10 February to Saturday 14 February, bringing one of Britain’s most celebrated theatre thrillers back to the city.
For more than 33 years, The Woman in Black enjoyed a record-breaking run in the West End, making it one of the longest-running and most successful productions in British theatre history. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity: minimal staging, a small cast and a reliance on imagination, sound and suggestion rather than special effects.
Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of The Woman in Black follows lawyer Arthur Kipps, who believes a terrible curse has been cast over his family by a mysterious spectre known as the Woman in Black. Seeking to confront his trauma, Kipps enlists a young actor to help him retell his story. What begins as a rehearsal gradually blurs into something far more unsettling, as past and present collide and the boundaries between performance and reality dissolve.
Cast and creative team
The role of The Actor is played by Daniel Burke, an alumnus of the Oxford School of Drama, who returns to the city following appearances in the UK tour of The Girl on the Train and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Troilus and Cressida.
Arthur Kipps is played by John Mackay, known for his West End performance in The Doctor, as well as roles in Witness for the Prosecution, Richard II and Machinal.
Director Robert Herford said the production continues to resonate with younger audiences and remains popular with schools and students.
“The Woman in Black is a play that particularly appeals to young people,” he said. “Teachers find it a very fruitful piece to teach from, celebrating the art of acting as well as the simple joys of live theatre.”
Practical information
- Venue: Oxford Playhouse
- Dates: Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 February
- Tickets: Available via the box office on 01865 305305 or online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
UK Tour Dates 2026 – The Woman in Black
| Venue | City | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre Royal | Glasgow | Tue 20 January – Sat 24 January 2026 |
| The Alexandra | Birmingham | Tue 27 January – Sat 31 January 2026 |
| Chelmsford Theatre | Chelmsford | Tue 3 February – Sat 7 February 2026 |
| Oxford Playhouse | Oxford | Tue 10 February – Sat 14 February 2026 |
| Lighthouse | Poole | Tue 17 February – Sat 21 February 2026 |
| Liverpool Playhouse | Liverpool | Tue 24 February – Sat 28 February 2026 |
| Nottingham Theatre Royal | Nottingham | Tue 10 March – Sat 14 March 2026 |
| Bradford Alhambra | Bradford | Tue 17 March – Sat 21 March 2026 |
| Peterborough New Theatre | Peterborough | Tue 24 March – Sat 28 March 2026 |
| Malvern Theatre | Malvern | Tue 31 March – Sat 4 April 2026 |
| Mayflower Studios | Southampton | Tue 7 April – Sat 11 April 2026 |
| Yvonne Arnaud Theatre | Guildford | Tue 14 April – Sat 18 April 2026 |
| Bristol Old Vic | Bristol | Tue 21 April – Sat 25 April 2026 |
