MY best friend and I were teenagers when we first saw The Woman in Black on stage at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.

Although our memory of the plot was hazy after all these years, one thing remained crystal clear - it was petrifying.

When we heard that the production was returning to the theatre we jumped at the chance to see it.

But would it still terrify us now we are nearing our thirties?

The answer is a spine-tingling, edge of our seat, watching it from behind our hands yes.

You wouldn't think that such a simple production could provoke such fear but thanks to a cracking cast and well-timed sound effects, smoke and lighting, it definitely does.

I jumped out of my skin at least five times, had goosebumps for a good 90 per cent of the show and scanned the nearby aisle at regular intervals - just in case the ghostly figure made a surprise appearance.

"You can see the film and you can read the book but this live experience is something you won’t get from either of those – there’s something magical about the fact that just two people and a few props can create the different settings and play all the characters."

The above quote from Matthew Spencer, who was a delight to watch as he took on the role of the young actor with such gusto, sums up the experience perfectly.

The play kicks off with a rather awkward Mr Kipps (played spectacularly by David Acton) attempting to tell the chilling story that he's kept secret for many years with help from a young actor.

Not an immediate star of the stage, Mr Kipps' rather wooden efforts prompt chuckles from the audience but it's not long before the lawyer finds his performing feet and the story unravels.

It all began when Mr Kipps' boss sent him to a remote village to put a recluse's affairs in order following her death.

Before long, he discovers that his late client's house has a haunting secret, for which he will pay the ultimate price.

But just as Mr Kipps begins to exorcise the fear that grips his soul, things take another dark turn.

I can't reccomend going to see The Woman in Black enough. It is a must for all horror fans (and wimps who are feeling brave).

Catch it at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre until Saturday, May 27.

Tickets are available online at grandtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01902 429212.