The world premiere of a dynamic new adaptation of Turn of the Screw is coming to Cardiff’s New Theatre starring Carli Norris (Pygmalion at the Albery Theatre, EastEnders, Hollyoaks) and Maggie McCarthy (Mother Clap’s Molly House at the National Theatre, Call the Midwife, the original film of Calendar Girls).
It’s a thrilling production of Henry James’ classic ghost story which, when originally published in 1898, defined the genre of psychological horror and from which all others have followed.
In Turn of the Screw a young governess agrees to look after two orphans in Bly, a seemingly idyllic country house. But shortly after her arrival, she realises they are not alone. There are others – the ghosts of Bly’s troubled past. The Governess risks everything to keep the children safe, even if it means giving herself up to The Others. Years later, confronted by the past she is compelled to account for what actually happened to her and those under her protection.
Originally written as a story within a story, Tim Luscombe’s new adaptation dramatises the passage of time in a thrilling and surprising way whilst remaining completely true to James’ story. Cleverly recreating the story’s unique sense of uncertainty and ambiguity, it leaves audiences to decide what actually happened at Bly, and who, or what was responsible.
Turn of the Screw is the source for many adaptations on stage and screen including the film The Others. Producer Dermot McLaughlin says:
“I was inspired by the success of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black and in researching the debt that Hill’s novel owes to Henry James, I got utterly lost in the intriguing world of Bly and The Governess’s psyche. It’s such a compelling story with fascinating female characters. Tim Luscombe has realised it for the stage brilliantly and I’m excited to be able to bring it to audiences across the UK”.
Henry James’ Turn of the Screw runs from 22 – 26 May and tickets are available from the Box Office on (029) 2087 8889 and newtheatrecardiff.co.uk.
