THE Woman in Black has terrified more than 7 million theatregoers since it first opened in the West End and the gripping production has now come to haunt Black Country audiences.

Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel tells the story of Mr Kipps, a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black.

He engages a young actor to help him tell his story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.

It begins innocently enough, but as they delve further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds.

The borders between make believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep.

David Acton, who plays Mr Kipps, said: "It’s a brilliant play, it’s extraordinary, and probably cleverer than the writer Stephen Mallatratt had anticipated.

"It’s a touching and moving story with a great sadness about it – there’s loss, shrieks and bumps along the way but there are laughs and pleasure along the way and the theatricality brings all of that together perfectly."

Matthew Spencer, who takes on the role of the young actor, added: "You can see the film and you can read the book but this live experience is something you won’t get from either of those – there’s something magical about the fact that just two people and a few props can create the different settings and play all the characters."

The Woman in Black runs at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from tomorrow (Monday, May 22) to Saturday, May 27.

Tickets are available online at grandtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01902 429212.