Photo Flash: First Look at THE WOMAN IN BLACK at the SJT, Scarborough

Twenty eight years after its debut, one of the most successful plays in West End history returns to Scarborough where it all began.

The Woman In Black has been especially cast for the 60th anniversary year of the Stephen Joseph Theatre where the play premiered in 1987. The production runs from 19 June to 2 August and, uniquely, this will be the first chance to see the new actors in the play before they transfer to London's Fortune Theatre.

The production brings together the original director and designer, Robin Herford and Michael Holt, and the first father and son casting, Christopher and Tom Godwin.

Director Robin Herford said:

"I'm honoured to bring The Woman In Black back to its roots for the Stephen Joseph Theatre's 60th celebrations. It's always instructive to re-examine a piece of theatre - something I always attempt to do when rehearsing a new cast into the West End production - but to re-examine it in terms of scale, to pare it down for a small intimate venue makes that process all the more worthwhile.

"Bringing it back with a cast who will go on to perform the play in the West End in August is intensely exciting. And what a cast! Christopher and Tom Godwin, the first father and son combination in the history of the play, are brimming with Scarborough connections. Tom was born and spent his early years here while Christopher was a hugely influential figure in Alan Ayckbourn's early writing."

Since the world premiere of The Woman In Black at the theatre's former Westwood home, Stephen Mallatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's chilling novella has enthralled over 7 million people worldwide with its unique blend of suspense, drama and bold stagecraft.

Proud and solitary, Eel Marsh house surveys the windswept reaches of the salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway. Arthur Kipps, a junior solicitor, is summoned to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow. Years later he recounts his experiences to an actor.

Christopher Godwin reprises his role as Arthur Kipps 15 years after appearing at the Fortune Theatre. Christopher was a company regular with the Stephen Joseph Theatre from 1971 to 1977 when he also appeared with the late Stephen Mallatratt. He created many Ayckbourn roles including Norman in The Norman Conquests, Colin in Absent Friends and Dennis in Just Between Ourselves. His most recent credits include This House at the National Theatre and The Crucible at the Old Vic.

Scarborough-born Tom Godwin appears opposite his father as The Actor to mark his hometown stage debut. Recent credits include Macbeth with Kenneth Branagh at New York's Park Avenue Armory and a new film adaptation of Alice Through the Looking Glass.

This is the company's second revival of the play following a 10th anniversary production starring Martin Freeman and Peter Laird in 1997.

The Woman In Black can be seen in the McCarthy at the Stephen Joseph Theatre on various dates from Friday 19 June to Sunday 2 August. Tickets, priced from £10 to £24.50, are available from the Box Office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com. See the website for all performance dates and times.

Director Robin Herford and original author Susan Hill will also be giving a Tea Time Talk as part of this year's 60th anniversary celebrations on 25 June and 16 July respectively. Tickets are £6.50, available from the Box Office, and include a donation to support the Seventh Wave fund for new writing at the SJT.

Photos by Tony Bartholomew

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