The Woman In Black premieres at The Empire
The second longest-running play in West End history will premiere on The Empire stage ahead of a national tour.
One of the world’s most terrifying live theatre experiences returns to Australia this month, premiering at The Empire Theatre in Toowoomba on April 27 before touring nationally.
The Woman in Black will take up residence for a week at the end of April, completing the final dress and technical rehearsals of Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story, at The Empire.
Adapted for the stage by Stephan Mallatratt, The Woman in Black is the second longest-running play in West End history after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, also to be performed at The Empire in July.
It stars two of Australia’s most acclaimed actors, incredible duo John Waters (Doctor Doctor, Offspring, Rake) and Daniel MacPherson (Land of Bad, Foundation, Neighbours).
The Empire’s General Manager Giuliana Bonel said she is for Toowoomba audiences to be the first to witness the second longest-running play in West End history.
“It’s extraordinary to be able to welcome two of Australia’s most acclaimed actors John Waters and Daniel MacPherson to The Empire Theatre stage to perform in The Woman in Black,” she said.
“I am delighted to be supporting Australian theatre producers Woodward Productions and Neil Gooding Productions in bringing this incredible production to life, and to offer our Toowoomba community the unique benefit of seeing its premiere before the show tours nationwide.
The Empire is proud to provide The Woman in Black with the opportunity to utilise our state-of-the-art venue equipped with cutting-edge technology and on-hand expertise to bring the production to life ahead of its national tour.
Giuliana Bonel, General Manager The Empire
Producer Alex Woodward said the design of the building was the perfect setting to perform this thrilling and intimate production to Australian audiences for the first time.
“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,” Mr Woodward said.
We are thrilled to be presenting the show at The Empire first to kick off the tour. As one of Australia’s most stunning and historically significant regional theatres, we are excited to bring this show to the people of Toowoomba and hope to bring more in the future.
Alex Woodward, Woodward Productions
“The Empire Theatre is one of the most gorgeous and well-equipped theatres in the country, let alone the regions. The architecture and style of The Empire is quite similar to many UK theatres and will give the audience a true idea of what it’s like to see the show where it was born,” he said.
The Woman in Black will be performed in the Empire Theatre on April 27 at 2pm and 7.30pm.
#What’s New
After four sold-out shows in September of this year, Theatre of Magic is returning by popular demand to The Empire for a six-month series of performances.
The Empire Foundation has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2024 Empire Youth Bursaries.
The Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) will shine a light on talented artists across Southern Queensland with the creation of a high-quality publication aimed at celebrating the spirit and stories of Southern Queensland art and culture.
A remarkable true story of unity, humanity and hope lands on The Empire stage when Tony and Olivier Award-winning hit Broadway musical Come From Away performs from 14 – 23 March 2025.
The Empire’s popular family festival Thrive on Arts will return from September 26-29, celebrating all things nature and the environment.
In the lead-up to 2024 NAIDOC Week celebrations, The Empire launched their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in support of their ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation in Australia.
