The Turn of the Screw ★★★★★ London Coliseum | October 11 - 31, 2024


Henry James' eerie story of an unnamed governess who takes up residence at a country manor in order to look after two strange children virtually abandoned by their guardian is full of uncertainty and ambiguity. The line between what is real and what the governess imagines elusively flickers as she recounts her story. Translating this complex novella to the stage while retaining its atmosphere is no small task, and by necessity, composer Benjamin Britten makes the possible ghosts or mere hallucinations real presences. In this production, Isabella Bywater neatly restores the original's elusiveness by setting the piece in a hospital while projecting the country house and the governess' experience onto it. Did any of these events happen or is it all the expression of a fevered imagination? Britten's score brilliantly evokes the spooky world the governess inhabits and his use of nursery songs and school lessons is ingeniously woven into the musical script which questions both the concepts of innocence and reality. Ultimately, the power of this tale depends on the dramatic skills and vocal talents of the principal, and Ailish Tynan puts in a definitive performance as the tormented teacher who is tested by her charges and their mysterious behaviour. She is simply outstanding in what is a very challenging role. Both vocally and dramatically her characterisation is nicely counterbalanced by Gweneth Ann Rand who is quite perfect as the down-to-earth housekeeper, Mrs Grose, who seeks to steady the imaginative governess. As the children, Miles and Flora, Nicolai Flutter and Holly Hylton, both do an excellent job of walking that line between being ingenuous and secretive while displaying voices that are up to Britten's not inconsiderable requirements. Robert Murray as Peter Quint and Eleanor Dennis also put in first-rate performances that contribute to making this a consummate production of Britten's classic work.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Manuel Harlan

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When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES, UK

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