Mark Hawkins

The play, The Woman in Black, is set to celebrate its 30th birthday in the West End this June and will introduce a new cast at the Fortune Theatre in London.

The new cast members will include Richard Hope as Arthur Kipps and Mark Hawkins as The Actor. These members will join on 22nd May. The third cast member, The Woman in Black, always remains a mystery to audiences. 

The play has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since 1987 and still uses some of the original props. It is one of London’s longest running shows.

The Woman in Black: a synopsis

Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over 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.

About the cast

Richard Hope’s theatre credits include Queen Anne, The Park, The History Boys, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, among others. His television credits include Poldark, Broadchurch, Midsomer Murders and Doctor Who, to name a few.

Mark Hawkins’ theatre credits include The Railway Children, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III, and The Night Before Christmas, and also The Woman in Black on tour. His short film credits include Day 703, Amnesiac, Spoons and Anamnesis.

The Woman in Black is directed by Robin Herford, with designs by Michael Holt, lighting by Kevin Sleep and sound by Gareth Owen.

Group booking information

Organisers can call 020 7206 1174 or email enquiries@groupline.com for details on group bookings.

For more information, visit www.thewomaninblack.com.