Farnworth Little Theatre

The Turn of the Screw

OPENING to yet another stunning set from Farnworth Little Theatre’s set designer Sara Hassall, this play begins like any typical period drama but it isn’t long before the intrigue sets in.

In the role of Miss Grey, Millie Kenworthy gives an assured performance as she convinces herself that the ghostly apparitions that appear are real and have, in some ways, been a big part of the children’s lives. As proceedings progress, this performance turns from straight laced to manic at a hands turn, resulting in a well received strong characterisation.

Keeping things together as much as she can, Pat Hill brings an experienced touch to Mrs Grose, the housekeeper. It is clear she knows the children inside out and her task of keeping this as normal as possible seems to be her life’s work.

Younger players present performances to a standard beyond their years.

Adam Crompton as Miles shows great stage presence as he stubbornly tests Miss Grey’s patience. His well-timed delivery of some clever one-liners creates titters in the audience which is testimony to the credibility of the performance.

Kirsten Hemsley gives young Flora the right amount of whimsical youthfulness and portrays the role with great effect. She convinces us that she is an accomplished artist by the way she stands painting, and with clarity in her speech we hear every word.

Who needs words when you’ve have an actress to the standard of Joy Plowes – her impeccable mute presentation as Jessel was delivered with lots of measured facial expressions and choreography to each movement which was executed with absolute ease.

Equally as impressive with his voiceless performance was Daniel Clynes.

Director Natalie Crompton certainly knows her stuff and brings the best out many a script - this production is no exception.

Paul Cohen