In a remarkable first for the Hayes Theatre, The Turn of the Screw has debuted as the venue's first full-fledged, bona-fide opera. 

This dark, gothic haunting story is at odds with itself at first glance. How could something as grand and dramatic as operatic performance be used to tell this story of subtle hauntings and eerie hints of tragedy around every corner?

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Craig Baldwin has done a spectacular job, aided by a cast of stage managers and musicians, in bringing this paranormal classic to an incredibly intimate stage. Having the performers so close to the audience lets you appreciate the sheer physical feat that opera singers produce with every song. The very room (an artfully decorated and well-utilised dilapidated sitting area) seems to quake with every number performed. 

Adding to the unsettling atmosphere of the show were the delightfully unsettling child sized puppets marionetted to represent the show’s two children, Miles and Flora. 

Both Sandy Leung and Addy Robertson juggled the dual burdens of puppeteering these uncanny marionettes while also giving some of the best operatic performances of the night. Addy Robertson’s performance as the troubled Miles set a fantastic, fist-clenching tone to this fog-stricken, gloomily lit show. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

If you want to see opera realised in a way it rarely has been before, and also set a chill down your spine that will last the majority of the night, then The Turn of The Screw is a must see performance. 

A resounding 4 Star Show.

Catch The Turn of The Screw at Hayes Theatre Co until 14th September. 

Grab tickets here!
*Images by Richard Farlan