There's excitement in John Waters' voice as he chats about his upcoming role in gothic thriller The Woman in Black.
It has been described as the most terrifying live theatre experience in the world and it is returning to Australia with John once again in one of the starring roles.
John previously starred across Australia in The Woman in Black in 2006, opposite Brett Tucker.
"That was 18 years ago," he said. "But I am not complacent about it at all.
"Far from it. I'm seeing it all in a different light this time with new experiences."
The Woman in Black is the second longest-running play in West End history, after Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap.
It will be performed at smaller, more intimate theatres which John, 75, loves because the audience feels more involved.
It is a two-person play in which he will star with Daniel McPherson.
"We're like Batman and Robin," he said.
What really excites John is the fact that the play employs good old-fashioned production techniques.
"It wouldn't be out of place in Victorian times," John said.
"The lighting, the sound, the good old-fashioned theatrical tricks. It's just wonderful.
"All the costumes are on stage and we do costume changes on stage.
"It all ensures there are moments of shock and horror. There are moments when audience members might shriek and gasp but the play is also very enchanting.
"I really can't say too much about it without spoiling it for people."
Susan Hill's acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive in Stephen Mallatratt's ingenious stage adaptation, a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.
Written in 1983, The Woman in Black has become one of the most successful gothic novels in the English canon.
A perfect example of horror and gothic writing, readers are transported to the eerie setting of Eel Marsh House in the small market town of Crythin Gifford in the north of England.
The story is told through the first-person narration of Arthur Kipps, who begins the novel too distressed to share a ghost story with his family, and then recounts how as a young solicitor he was sent to oversee the funeral of a Mrs Alice Drablow, a client of his law firm.
Along the way he encounters many who seem unwilling or unable to share the secrets of Eel Marsh House and its inhabitants, until he himself encounters the Woman in Black, and begins to unravel the mystery of the haunted past and eerie spectre he sees.
The gripping production will play limited seasons in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Canberra and Newcastle from May to July.
With a career spanning 50 years, John is well known for lead roles in the film Breaker Morant and the television series Rush, All the Rivers Run, Rake and his 20-year run on Play School.
His prolific stage work includes Hair, Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar in the 1970s, through to the musicals The Rocky Horror Show, They're Playing Our Song opposite Jackie Weaver and The Sound of Music opposite Lisa McCune.
An accomplished musician, John has toured Australia many times with his one-man show Looking Through a Glass Onion.
Producer Alex Woodward said: "I first saw The Woman in Black in 2020 and knew I had to bring it back to Australia. It's such an incredible gripping show that is so spellbinding, it has you on the edge of your seat for two hours.
"When it came to casting we knew it was perfect to ask theatre royalty John Waters to reprise his role he debuted in Australia more than 15 years ago. Daniel was also a natural choice for his incredible ability, charm and charisma."
- thewomaninblack.com.au
Playhouse, QPAC, Brisbane, season From 1 May
Performance Times Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed & Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm Prices From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings qpac.com.au or phone 136-246; Groups 8+ call (07) 3840-7466
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, season From 15 May
Performance Times Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed or Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1 & 6pm
Prices From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings ticketek.com.au or phone 132-849; Groups 8+ call 131-246
His Majesty's Theatre, Perth, season From 30 May
Performance Times Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed or Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1 & 6pm Prices From $59 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292; Groups 8+ call (08) 6212 9291 or email groups@artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
Venue Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, season From 14 June
Performance Times Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed or Thurs or Fri 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1 & 6pm (schedule varies each week)
Prices From $55 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings ticketmaster.com.au or phone (03) 9650-1500 ;Groups 8+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 20+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au
Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra, season From 9 July
Performance Times Tues-Thurs 7:00pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm Prices From $55.00 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700; Groups 8+ call (02) 6275 2727
Venue Civic Theatre, Newcastle, season From 23 July
Performance Times Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm Prices From $55.00 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or (02) 4929-1977; Groups 8 + call (02) 4929-1977.
Theatre Royal Sydney, July 30 - August 18, Performance Times Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm. Prices From $59.00 (Transaction fees apply). Bookings theatreroyalsydney.com or 1300-163-808. Groups 8+ enquire at theatreroyalsydney.com/contact-us or 1300-163-808.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
