Turn of the Screw
***
New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 22 May
Turn of the Screw, famously known as the ‘original ghost story’, was originally penned by Henry James in the nineteenth century and has since been adapted plentiful times (perhaps most famously as the 1961 film The Innocents), this time for the stage by Tim Luscombe. The Luscombe adaption sees Carli Norris cast as The Governess, Annabel Smith as Mrs Conray, Maggie McCarthy as Mrs Grose and Michael Hanratty as The Man.
The plot is based on The Governess recounting her first appointment in the role, as per the request of the grown Mrs Conray. The Governess shares with the audience her memories of when she was placed in charge of two young siblings at a country house (Flora Conray and The Man). There is ambiguity throughout the story as to whether The Governess is victim to terrifying hauntings or whether she is suffering from delusions or even acting in a mendacious manner. The versions of events for both women are of very opposing views and as the play progresses you really do feel yourself attempting to unravel the truth just as much as The Governess and Mrs Conray are.
Credit must be given to Smith and Hanratty who manage to play the roles of the children convincingly. Smith particularly plays the part of young Flora wonderfully. The character is at times creepy and her laugh quite haunting – that alone, would be enough to keep you up at night.
Suspense is built well throughout the first half of the production and there are one or two jump-out-of-your-seat moments, especially if you’re not a horror fan. However, the final act of the play was disappointing, even a little anticlimactic, overshadowed by the build-up throughout the rest of the production.
The production has certainly left this writer with some unanswered questions to address – its definitely worth revisiting the story by reading the original James’ novella.
I was a huge fan of the theatre production of The Woman in Black – Henry James’ Turn of the Screw was a huge inspiration for that, even kickstarting the ghost story genre, meaning I went in holding high expectations. However, it just didn’t live up to the hype. This writer was hoping for a scare-induced goose bump feeling that, I’m afraid, was simply lacking.
words Lauren Phillimore
photo Robert Workman