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Get ready for a night of spine-chilling suspense as The Woman in Black arrives at Palau Altea on Friday November 1, from 8pm to 9.30pm. Presented by Olympia Metropolitana, this gripping production promises an immersive horror experience like no other. Seen by more than ten million people across 40 countries, the play has enjoyed over three decades of success in London’s West End, where it became the longest-running non-musical production after The Mousetrap. Based on Susan Hill’s acclaimed 1983 gothic novel, the story follows Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor sent to the remote Eel Marsh House to manage the estate of the late Mrs Drablow. There, he encounters the terrifying apparition of the Woman in Black, a vengeful spirit whose appearance foretells tragedy. A timeless ghost story that still chills audiences Adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, the production’s “story within a story” format and minimal staging heighten the psychological tension, turning simple shadows and whispers into moments of pure dread. Few theatre-goers realise that The Woman in Black began as a modest Christmas play in Scarborough in 1987, created on a shoestring budget with just two actors and minimal props. The show was originally intended to run for only a few weeks, but its eerie simplicity and psychological tension captivated audiences, leading to its transfer to London’s West End the following year. Over its 33-year run at the Fortune Theatre, the production became a rite of passage for British actors—more than 400 have performed in it—and countless spectators have claimed to sense an unexplained presence in the theatre during performances, adding a chilling layer of legend to its history. Discover the secrets and legends behind Britain’s most haunting theatrical tale Another lesser-known fact is that Susan Hill wrote the original novel in just six weeks, inspired by the ghost stories of M.R. James and the atmospheric landscapes of eastern England. Despite its classic Victorian tone, the book was written in the 1980s and has since been adopted in the UK National Curriculum, ensuring that generations of students study its themes of grief, repression and the supernatural. Even today, the play’s script is occasionally updated to include subtle references to contemporary fears, keeping the sense of dread as fresh and relevant as ever for modern audiences. This new Valencian version, directed by Rebeca Valls and featuring a local cast, intensifies the terror with illusion tricks, haunting music, atmospheric projections and chilling special effects. Applauded by both critics and audiences, it’s a night that promises to awaken all five senses and leave hearts racing. Tickets and event details Tickets range from €20 to €25 and are available through Altea Cultural (+34 965 842 853). Step into the darkness—The Woman in Black awaits to make you feel fear like never before.
