From ghosts to get-outs: an interview with Mark Hawkins

After 33 years at the Fortune Theatre, the original scare-fest play The Woman in Black is going on tour to venues around the UK.

Going with it is actor Mark Hawkins, who played the part of The Actor in the show's West End home from 2018 to 2019. Alongside prolific stage actor Richard Hope as Arthur Kipps, their first performance together in Stephen Mallatratt and Susan Hill's enduring masterpiece was on May 22 2018. For the past decade, however, Mark has been a member of staff at ATG's own Richmond Theatre, a beautiful and historic venue in London's South West.

While starring in the play for the first time at the Fortune Theatre, Mark was a part of the show's 12,000th performance, enjoyed visits from celebrity audience members such as rock legend Rod Stewart, and scared hundreds of captivated audiences. We caught up with Mark ahead of his return to The Woman in Black, to find out more about his time in theatre, both on the stage, and off it!

ATG: You’re no stranger to Richmond Theatre, can you give us a little bit of history about your relationship with the venue?

Mark: I have worked at Richmond Theatre for ten years now! Mainly as a Box Office Sales Assistant, but I also have roles in a few different departments. Sometimes I work with the stage crew on get-ins and get-outs for various shows and I’m one of the tour guides here! All in all, I know this theatre very well.?

ATG: You played The Actor in the West End previously, what is it about The Woman in Black that made you want to return to the show?

Mark: It’s one of my favourite plays and lots of fun to perform, because it uses vivid storytelling and the power of imagination to create a world of suspense and atmosphere. The play means a great deal to me, and I’ve always wanted the opportunity to revisit the role.

ATG: When you reach Richmond on the tour, will you have lots of support from friends and family who will come and see the show?

Mark: I definitely will! Everybody has been really excited and very supportive; they’re all planning to come and watch. Before the cast was announced I had some fun moments selling tickets for The Woman in Black at the Box Office, not being able to let on that I will be in the show!

It’s going to be such a special week to be able to play a theatre I know so well, and an amazing full circle moment to be on the stage at Richmond Theatre.

The Woman in Black will be playing at Richmond Theatre later this year, from 14 - 18 November. See the UK tour's ATG stops on our website!