The Turn of the Screw Review: Henry James Ghost Story on Stage 2026

The Turn of the Screw review: Henry James's classic ghost story returns to the stage with added jump scares and a daring new framing device by writer-adapter Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. This production promises to reinvent the canonical tale for modern audiences, but does it succeed? Our The Turn of the Screw review delves into the chilling atmosphere, the performances, and the structural choices that both thrill and frustrate.

A Classic Ghost Story with Modern Twists

Henry James's 1898 novella is a masterpiece of ambiguity, leaving readers to wonder whether the governess is sane or delusional. This stage adaptation embraces that ambiguity with a framing device featuring an unnamed interrogator (imaginary or real?) who questions the governess's account. The jump scares, powered by Hattie North's jagged sound design, are effective, and the production is slick and stylised. However, the constant interruptions hamper the buildup of dread, making the horror feel choppy rather than sustained.

Performances and Production Design

Amy Tara delivers a compelling governess, balancing vulnerability and obsession. Jim Fish is suitably roguish as the gentleman who hires her. The children, Flora (Kathleen McAuley Irvine) and Miles (Toby Beynon), emerge eerily from darkness on Matthew Cassar's elegantly gothic set of screens. Katy Slater's Mrs Grose is less friendly than in the novella, adding to the unease. The apparitions of dead manservant Peter Quint and former governess Miss Jessel are haunting, though their impact is diluted by the fragmented timeline.

Key Takeaways

• Jump scares are effectively executed but can feel gimmicky.
• Framing device adds intellectual depth but disrupts tension.
• Performances are strong, especially Amy Tara as the governess.
• Set design creates a chilling, gothic atmosphere.
• Pacing issues arise from frequent time jumps and interruptions.

Comparison: Traditional vs. This Adaptation

Is It Worth Seeing?

For fans of Henry James, this The Turn of the Screw adaptation offers a fresh perspective, but purists may find the added jump scares and framing device distracting. The production excels in atmosphere and performance, yet the choppy narrative prevents it from reaching its full potential. If you enjoy modern twists on classics, it's worth a watch; if you prefer the subtle terror of the original, you might be disappointed.

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