This autumn, the Torch Theatre Company presents the truly terrifying ghost story, The Woman in Black, which promises to be one of the scariest productions the company has ever staged.

Showing at the Torch Theatre from October 5 - 22, The Woman in Black is based on Susan Hill’s novella and adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt. The West End production of the show is celebrating a run of over 25 years and is a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.

The story was also made into the 2012 film of the same name starring Daniel Radcliffe. The tale begins on Christmas Eve, when Arthur’s step-children invite him to tell a ghost story. Arthur is too disturbed by his memories to share his story aloud, so he writes it down.

In his story, a young Arthur Kipps, a junior solicitor, is sent to settle the affairs of Alice Drablow. He sees a woman dressed in black at her funeral, though apparently no one else does. At Eel Marsh House, a house beyond a causeway, Arthur is haunted by noises and sightings of the woman. When local man, Sam Daily, reveals the full story of how Alice Drablow’s sister, Jennet, haunts the house and that a child dies each time the woman in black is seen, it’s only a matter of time before Arthur sees her again with dramatic consequences.

Torch Theatre artistic director Peter Doran will direct, and comments: “The Woman in Black has become a West End phenomena. The Mousetrap excluded, very few straight plays run for more than a few years in the West End - but the simple reason for its success is that it absolutely works, it keeps you on the edge of your seats and at times two feet above! We have been granted special permission to stage this production, and will be the only theatre outside of the West End producing this show so you don’t want to miss it!”

Starring in the production will be Torch newcomer Miriam O’Brien, who is also set to star in this year’s Torch Christmas show Sleeping Beauty. Originally from Coventry, Miriam has recently graduated from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and also performed in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2014 as Green Girl in Shout!

Starring alongside Miriam is actor Ioan Hefin, who last year worked alongside Hollywood legends Samuel L. Jackson and Dame Judi Dench after being cast in Tim Burton’s movie Peregrine’s Home For Peculiars.

The production is recommended for ages 14 years and over. To book tickets and for further information, contact the Torch Theatre Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit the website www.torchtheatre.co.uk