IT IS a literary classic and a powerful stage piece.

See the atmospheric play, The Woman In White at the Halifax Playhouse next week where it runs from Tuesday (January 22) to Saturday.

The play is by Constance Cox, adapted from the novel by Wilkie Collins.

Simon Reece, who has been acting for two decades, says he is privileged to be making his directorial debut with this production for Halifax Thespians.

He has a talented cast of actors including a number of people whose names will be familiar to theatregoers in Huddersfield.

Alistair Cheetham, has acted and directed with Huddersfield Thespians and John Cohen of Mirfield has worked with many companies across the region.

The cast also includes Sarah Mansley, Andrea Quantrill, Christine Noble-Doyle, Christine Marsh, Richard Taylor, Roy Greenwood, Ann Brown and Colin Fine.

The book on which the play is based is considered to be an early example of “detective fiction” and many early sleuthing techniques are on display.

The Woman in White carries themes of oppression, claustrophobia and deception and yet the theme of love is present throughout.

Evening performances are at 7.30pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.