The unmistakable sound of a rusty, creaking screw slowly, slowly turning- and tightening down to ratchet up the tension and atmosphere!

That has certainly provided the backdrop to the Torch Theatre's adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of The Turn of the Screw, from the story by Henry James. 

The famously well known, darkly gothic tale is directed by Chelsey Gillard, the Torch theatre's Artistic Director. No creeping stealthily to steal a march here... this presentation of The Turn of the Screw looks set fair to be a runaway success.

Performances by the two lead actors, Samuel Freeman and Seren Vickers, are nothing short of a tour de force! Their delivery of a beautifully written script and dialogue was captivating, engrossing and seamless. This is particularly commendable in light of the adaptation being a "two hander" of sorts, with Sam and Seren being sole performers... and Samuel somehow managed to portray five different roles that I counted (I included Peter Quint). The performances are stunning, completely convincing and impactful. 

Real emotional responses are elicited from the audience. The comments from the audience were both universally and extremely enthusiastic and positive.

This presentation has been much anticipated and eagerly awaited. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the Torch adaptation kept close faith with the original story.

The atmosphere created by the Torch is phenomenal!

No holds barred and no stone- or screw- unturned! From the delightful box office staff... with Trina and Rachel beautifully garbed and bedecked with jewels in late Victorian style, to the air of barely contained excitement and thrill as the fabulous stage set is revealed in all its sombre glory.  So enthralled was I- and caught up with the atmosphere- that I even entertained the idea(I have witnesses) of asking Marcus, front of house, to accompany me to the car park for personal security, when the performance finished. 

The Torch theatre team really come into their own when all the "behind the scenes" and integral elements are put together and factored in! The stage sets are designed and crafted in-house. I loved the dramatic use of the different levels and the perspectives from ground level to high up, with stairs and towers. The "live" use of effects ,instead of virtual, worked brilliantly to lend real believability and authenticity to the production. I loved the real water in the lake, actual water when the rain fell in the storm! The mists swirling about the lake were done beautifully, too- even enveloping us in the audience at times. This is a brave and daring move by the Torch, I think. It demonstrates an admirable level of investment and commitment towards the vision being striven for.

Atmosphere could not have been achieved to the such a high standard were it not for the sterling contributions made by Jack Beddis and Tom Sinnett. The sombre tones serenaded the proceedings, rumbling along in the most menacing fashion throughout, enhancing the drama. Even the sweet sounds of the well-known Brahms' lullaby were doleful and portending of doom. Lighting designer Katy Morison was not to be outdone either. The lighting was a pleasure, playing upon the darkened shadowy and reflective mood set by the story and settings at Bly and the lake, interspersed with golden hues, warm lamp and candlelight. The stark bright lighting radiated with full effect in dramatic contrast to the darkness, ramping up the tension and during storms. The costumes are a joy. Rustling dress and bustle silhouette, tailed suit and starched collar, with silked cravat all attesting to the designing and supervision talents of Ruth Stringer and Louise Sturley.

Let it also be said that Bethan Eleri accomplishes no mean feat regarding the challenges of directing fight and intimacy scenes. The Turn of the Screw is a strange and darkly disturbing account, featuring themes that are sad and complex, distressing and visceral. Some of the content is quite ambiguous- as indeed it was originally written by Henry James to be.

The amazing aspect to this is that there is alternating humour also richly peppered into the mix, bringing some unexpectedly lighter, funny moments to the story.

All told, be not lulled into a false sense of security! Shock value and cliff hangers, bangs and bumps abound! Sudden blood curdling moments, shivers, flesh creeping and goosebumps may strike at any time. Good idea to grip the edge of your seat- prepare for white-knuckles. Screams and screeches might emerge, or remain barely stifled.

I'm going to turn the screw- and batten down the hatches!

Image: Lloyd Grayshon, Media to Motion