Stables Theatre’s world premiere of The Turn of the Screw

Henry James’s The Turn Of The Screw has been through many manifestations. It was written in Rye at the author’s Lamb House as a Victorian novella, and serialised in an American magazine. Book, film, TV, radio, ballet and opera versions followed. Now the Stables Theatre in Hastings Old Town is staging a new dramatisation by Timothy Blackwell, who also directs. Bernard McGinley reports on a classic horror story.

The tale has been subject to many interpretations since its first appearance in 1898. Who is influencing whom — and how? What is going on in the big, isolated, country house where a new tutor tries to look after two young orphans? How real is the unease? Atmosphere is as important as character. Corruption – and dread – seem present too. (The production has scenes that some may find upsetting. Age guidance for the production is 12+.) Gothic fiction such as The Turn of the Screw is noted for its exploration of psychological horror and ambiguity.  Statements (like perceptions) might be unreliable — but something is happening.

World premiere

The story explores the power of the imagination and the unknown.  This is a world premiere for this new dramatisation.  The running time is about 2 hours 20 minutes including an interval.  The Turn of the Screw is on on these dates at 7:30 pm:

Wednesday 30 July
Thursday 31 July
Friday 1 August
Saturday 2 August — and also a matinee at 2:30 pm

Ticket prices are:

Adults: £13.50 
Under-18: £8.50 
Members: £8.50 (via account)

Seats for wheelchair users and carers can only be booked by contacting the Box Office. The theatre has an infra-red listening/loop system for the hearing impaired.

The box office is open from Monday to Saturday, 10:30 am — 1 pm, and can also deal with telephone bookings then: 01424 423221. On show nights it is open from 6 pm – 7:30 pm, and from one hour before matinee performances.

The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre is in The Bourne, Hastings Old Town, TN34 3BD

Local talents

In addition to Henry James, the production has an abundance of local talent and skill in its cast, design and execution. The writer and director Timothy Blackwell is St Leonards based. Professional actors Ed Nash and Karen Mann are in the leading roles. The orphaned children Flora and Miles are played by the gifted young actors, Edie Davis and Xander Doe.

Ed Nash explained the appeal of the role:

There is so much to explore in this play – class, mental health, sexuality – so many topics that are so relevant today. And this character goes through such huge emotions – excitement, paranoia, sheer terror.

Karen Mann, a hugely experienced professional actor, talked of playing scenes with young Edie and Xander:

I am blown away by their talent, enthusiasm and stagecraft at such a young age. Their ideas and creativity have helped shape the show as much as the rest of us. They are truly incredible and must be seen to be believed.

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