Behind The Woman in Black: Jackie Collins

In the last of our 'Behind The Woman in Black' series, where we've looked at the impact the show has had on some of the Fortune Theatre's brilliant staff, we chat to Front of House member, Jackie Collins.

Jackie, who's worked at the theatre since 2015 and is currently their Cover Customer Experience Supervisor, tells us her favourite things about the show, and tries to guess just how many times she's seen it over the past 8 years...

ATG: Can you describe your experience of working at the Fortune Theatre during The Woman in Black?

Jackie: I have gained so many incredible memories over the years and have had a lot of laughs when watching audience members react to the jump scares in the show. I've overall had a great experience. It's surreal that The Woman in Black is about to have its final performance at the Fortune.

ATG: How many times would you estimate you’ve seen the show?

Jackie: I really wish I knew that actual number. I’ve worked on the show for a long time and have seen a lot of different casts so I feel that a rough estimate would be around 1,000 times, give or take.

ATG: Why do you think audiences have enjoyed watching the show for such a long time?

Jackie: It’s a very clever show. The use of two actors and minimal props means that the audience are required to use a lot of their own imagination and they never know when the next jumpy moment is going to occur so they can never relax. It's a unique and fun experience to have in a West End show.

ATG: What is your favourite thing about the show ie. a moment in the play, a particular actor or audience member, a prop etc.?

Jackie: I have always loved that this show is a play inside of a play and that the character Arthur Kipps goes outside of his comfort zone to tell his story through portraying various different characters from his past.

There is a particular moment when Arthur is struggling to get into character during the first act until he is handed a pair of glasses. This prop hilariously suddenly gives Mr. Kipps the confidence to just become the character he wants to depict.

ATG: What was the most memorable moment or performance for you, in your time working in/around the Fortune Theatre?

Jackie: Finally being able to come back to work after the pandemic was an amazing feeling. It was great to finally see my colleagues in person after such a long time. We had to adapt to a completely new working environment which could be stressful at times, but we were always happy to support each other.

ATG: What’s it like working in an iconic West End theatre?

Jackie: It’s lovely to work in a fun atmosphere surrounded by people who are incredibly talented and creative. I have been fortunate to meet so many amazing people Front of House and Back of House over the years, it’s honestly been my favourite part about working here.

The great thing about working in a small venue like the Fortune is that you pretty much get to know everyone in the building and form great relationships with everybody.??

Want to know more about the Fortune Theatre? Find out more about this historic venue, including future programming, online via the ATG website !