• Review For Us
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • VAULT Festival 2023
    • VAULT Previews
    • VAULT Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • VAULT Festival 2023
    • VAULT Previews
    • VAULT Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Interviews
Matthew Spencer

Matthew Spencer

Interview: Matthew Spencer on The Woman in Black at The Fortune Theatre

“I think everyone loves a good scare and it definitely has those. People love to scream and really get involved in the story; it’s a lot of fun”

by Greg Stewart
August 31, 2022
Reading Time: 3 mins read

Matthew spencer stars as The Actor in Susan Hill’s The Woman In Black at The Fortune Theatre, which last month celebrated 13,000 performances at The Fortune Theatre.

Matthew Spencer returns to The Woman in Black as The Actor, having first played the role both at The Fortune Theatre and on tour.

You’ve returned to the role of The Actor in The Woman in Black, how would you describe this play to anyone who hasn’t seen it?

It’s a ghost story but more than that it’s a play about theatre; it celebrates storytelling and using your imagination. It has laughs and jumps and screams and is a lot of fun. It’s a play that anyone can enjoy. 

       

How would you describe your character in The Woman in Black?

My character is an actor who has been asked by Arthur Kipps to come and help him tell his traumatic story so that he can try to move on. So, like most actors, he’s enthusiastic and positive and really does want to help and has an idea that he can take on the role of a young Arthur Kipps and help him create this story. 

You’ve played the role both on the West End and on tour; what is it that you love about the role that keeps you coming back?

It’s a great play and a great part; with only two of us in the show it’s both a challenge and a joy to play each night. We get to use all the skills and tricks that you are taught at drama school, which you don’t necessarily get to put into practice in other shows. Also, the original director Robin Herford works with every new cast, allowing them to create their own versions of the characters. This is a very fun process as an actor and also means that the show feels different with every cast change.

You mightalso like

Operation Mincemeat Transfers to Fortune Theatre

Operation Mincemeat Transfers to West End’s Fortune Theatre

THE WOMAN IN BLACK. Julian Forsyth Arthur Kipps and Matthew Spencer The Actor. Photo Tristram Kenton

The Woman In Black to Close After 33 Years in The West End

It’s such a popular show – why do you think audiences love it so much?

I think everyone loves a good scare and it definitely has those. People love to scream and really get involved in the story; it’s a lot of fun.

What’s the scariest moment (that isn’t in the script) that you’ve had on stage?

I’ve had a few moments in the wings that have given me goosebumps. The moments I know are coming aren’t scary, it’s the ones where you don’t know something’s going to happen that are and I’ve definitely had a few moments when I’ve felt I wasn’t alone in an empty wing…..

What would you say to encourage anyone thinking of booking to see The Woman in Black?

Definitely come and see the show; It’s a fantastic piece of theatre! It has laughs, surprisingly, and a lot of jumpy scares too. It’s a play about the theatre, a love letter to it, and celebrates what can happen when you get in the room with two actors armed with a few props and everyone’s imagination. 

Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart

Greg is an award-winning writer with a huge passion for theatre. He has appeared on stage, as well as having directed several plays in his native Scotland. Greg is the founder and editor of Theatre Weekly

Related Articles

Operation Mincemeat Transfers to Fortune Theatre
News

Operation Mincemeat Transfers to West End’s Fortune Theatre

THE WOMAN IN BLACK. Julian Forsyth Arthur Kipps and Matthew Spencer The Actor. Photo Tristram Kenton
News

The Woman In Black to Close After 33 Years in The West End

Ben Stock
Interviews

Interview: Ben Stock on Magical Merlin at The Fortune Theatre

Ben Stock will star in Magical Merlin
News

Magical Merlin Cast Announced for Fortune Theatre Run

London Theatre Week
News

London Theatre Week Returns With Almost 60 Shows Offering Tickets With Prices as Low as £15

Performances of The Woman in Black
News

The Woman in Black Celebrates 13,000 Performances at Fortune Theatre

Comments 1

  1. Pingback: The Woman In Black to Close After 33 Years in The West End - Theatre Weekly
Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Meaghan Martin Julie Oli Higginson John Credit Lucy Hayes

Review: Smoke at Southwark Playhouse

Heathers The Musical at The Other Palace credit PamelaRaith

Heathers The Musical Tour Cast Announced

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • VAULT Festival 2023
    • Vault Previews
    • VAULT Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly