We saw this at the Fortune Theater in London in 1995. It has already been on stage for 12 years and is still on stage now. It was genuinely scary and I don't know how they pulled it off with just two actors. The movie version nearly ruined it for me.
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This is another of those highly successful and praised British shows that just did not work for us at all. I can't explain why but maybe we were just not in the right mood. We both hated it and will not see the movie.
Jeff M.
Which movie version? The original British with Adrian Rawlins from '89 or the new Daniel Radcliffe version?
There was a production in Chicago several years ago and I was so eager to be scared out of my wits because that's what everyone was saying the show would do. It was unimpressive and far from the fright fest it should have been. The two male actors, neither of whom had a handle on the myriad accents required to play the multiple characters, were just mediocre. The younger actor was a histrionic mess. There is a Chicago acting style that's often called "deep dish" (just like our famous pizza). Not only was he deep dish, he was helping himself to several servings of ham as well.
The current movie version.
I've actually been to see this a grand total of three times over decades, all in the West End, usually as treats for my family when they come over from Italy. Frankly I'm appalled with myself, but I've enjoyed it wach time and I'm really a fan of horror either!
I really rate the TV-movie version of the novel - Susan Hill apparently didn't like it much, but it was adapted very smartly by the master of the modern ghost story, Nigel Kneale, and is well worth seeking out.
I'm staying away from the new movie. From what I understand, they totally botched the ending.
The book was pretty good. Really a downer, but well done.
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