A GREAT fog sweeps in over the estuary like a silent tidal wave, blown by a wind to make a seagull shiver...

No, it's not Knott End on a particularly dank day in November, but Blackpool Grand Theatre on a night of true dramatic terror.

Yes, The Woman In Black is back in town and Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of Susan Hill's classic novella remains a formidable piece of theatrical horror.

The cobble-crash of horses' hooves over the famous causeway spark around your head, and the screams which pierced the auditorium were by no means all down to special effects.

The Woman In Black has played the West End for 11 years and, judging by this touring two-hander directed by Stephen Herford, it's easy to see why.

Classical veteran Frank Barrie once appeared alongside Olivier and Scofield, and his acting reminded you of a Rolls Royce, a consummate construction of many parts.

One minute he was absent-mindedly professorial; the next pure Al Read Lancashire.

Meanwhile, Damien Matthews truly lived the nightmare in a shocking and ultimately moving performance.

The special effects had everyone in the audience jumping out of their seats, and everything was bathed in an unnerving, surreal light. It was ghostly, ghastly...and umissable.

The Woman In Black runs at the Grand until Saturday (May 5). Call the box office on 290190 for details.