THE idea of being scared and in a theatre at the same time doesn't necessarily go together.

But having watched the latest production of The Woman in Black at the Lowry in Salford Quays, I can confirm you can expect to jump from your seat throughout the production.

More than three million people have watched the show, which contains more frights than your average Halloween night.

Although, don't expect too much blood or gore as this show is all about messing with your mind.

To tell the story would be to give it away. But in broad terms Stephen Mallatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's best-selling novel is able to transfer a good old-fashioned ghost story from paper to stage without losing the fear factor.

The show features Robert Demeger and Timothy Watson who put in commanding performances, so much so that the fact that there are only two actors on stage passes you by most of the time.

The only drawback is that it takes a little while to get going, but once it does, prepare for the theatrical fright of your life.

Helen Cartwright