REVIEW: TURNING THE SCREW by Kevin Kelly at King’s Head Theatre 14 Feb – 10 Mar 2024

‘fascinating drama raising many questions’ ★★★★

Kevin Kelly’s play which premiered at New Wimbledon Theatre Studio (2022) is a story about Benjamin Britten, grappling with his homosexuality. It raises questions about paedophilia and the power imbued in celebrity. Brilliantly directed by Tim McArthur with a very strong cast, the show also reminds us of Britten’s musical genius with extracts from Britten’s most loved compositions. It also features the beautiful singing voices of members of the cast, with Liam Watson as chorister David Hemmings, reaching those sublime heights that so please the ears.  

As the show opens we see that Britten, (living at a time when homosexuality is illegal), is very much in love with his life partner, Peter Pears (Simon Willmont).  Britten (Gary Tushaw) is composing the music for his chamber opera, The Turn of the Screw and auditioning for the role of Quint.  The producer, Basil Coleman (Jonathan Clarkson) is dismayed when Britten makes a decision to cast David Hemmings, an impressionable boy of twelve, whose abilities as a singer, are rough around the edges. Britten is determined that the lad is perfect for the role and that he can be shaped more readily than other more precocious auditionees.

There are already rumours circulating about Britten’s fascination with young boys and ‘pink panic’ is on the rise.  Those closest to him try to warn him that he is putting himself at risk of  a prison sentence and total loss of his music.    Whilst we are never sure whether Britten’s interest in the boy is lustful or playful (a regressing to a joyful childhood), the drama raises many questions.  How far should genius be protected?  Life is surely richer for having Britten’s music to enjoy.   Then, what of the young boys themselves, are they totally innocent or are they cynically taking advantage of Britten to further their own ambitions?    There is an attempt in the show at covering ‘victim shaming’ but as the play is shown from Britten’s perspective, the boy’s side is not fully explored here.   

The only female character in the show, Imogen Holst, is played astonishing well by  Jo Wickham. Her story arc is one of putting her own considerable talent as a composer to one side, to work with Britten.   Seeming to be personally invested in Britten’s life, (perhaps with a romantic leaning), she looks after his best interests.  This feminist perspective reminds us of how women, historically, have been sidelined. We can only hope that women have better opportunities in 2024, than in 1954 (when Britten’s opera was first performed). 

The Turning of the Screw is a well told story using a minimalist set which allows the cast to move effortlessly between scenes and locations. The occasional lighting effect putting faces into a spotlight for important soliloquies heightens the drama and adds interest. Overall, a riveting piece of theatre raising questions which need to be explored.  

Images: Polly Hancock

TURNING THE SCREW by Kevin Kelly

King’s Head Theatre 14 Feb – 10 Mar 2024

Box Office: https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/turning-the-screw

Writer and Producer - Kevin Kelly

Director - Tim McArthur

Benjamin Britten - Gary Tushaw

David Hemmings - Liam Watson

Peter Pears  - Simon Willmont

Imogen Holst  - Jo Wickham

Basil Coleman  - Jonathan Clarkson

Harry Morris  - Sam McHale (he/him)

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery