Turning The Screw at King’s Head Theatre
*Press invitation
Last week I hot-footed over to Upper St in Islington. I was there to see one of the first shows in the new King’s Head Theatre dedicated 200-seat space. After a successful run at New Wimbledon Theatre Studio in 2022, Turning the Screw – written by Kevin Kelly and directed by Tim McArthur – tells the story of the famed composer Benjamin Britten, set during the pink panic in the 1950s as he grapples (and boy does he does grapple) with his homosexuality whilst composing his opera, The Turn of the Screw.
The theatre itself is a total joy. It reminded me of another time – it’s somehow very nostalgic. There is no ego, there is no bougie overpriced bottle of wine. It’s relaxed and easy and welcoming… and to sit in its safe, warm and no-frills space, watching a 6-hander about one of the most celebrated British composers of modern times, who changed the face of British opera and composed some of this century’s best-loved choral works, was a TOTAL treat.
The play was completely fascinating and shone a light on Britten in a way I have never seen before. It explores a key point in the composer’s life and uncovers dynamics of power, vulnerability, fear, joy, art, infatuation and love. The play is complex, unnerving and manages to untangle a host of complicated and difficult questions around power imbalance, paedophilia, victim shaming and manipulation.
It’s not an easy watch. But the cast are superb. Simon Willmont magnificently plays Peter Pears, the long-term loving partner of Benjamin Britten (a reminder that homosexuality was illegal in this country until 1967, when it was only partially decriminalised). There’s a wonderful and extremely powerful scene where Peter Pears confronts the recipient of Britten’s infatuation – David Hemmings, a young choir boy, played brilliantly by Liam Watson, which was the highlight of the play for me. Gary Tushaw, Jo Wickham, Jonathan Clarkson and Sam McHale were all together, a stellar cast. (And also, extremely lovely people to have a chat with in the pub afterwards).
Despite the challenging and at times, uncomfortable content, the play flowed and moved me – it felt important to be there. To learn more. To be told this story. To understand better and ask ourselves difficult and confronting questions.
There is no interval and the play seemed to be over in a flash. It may be not be a lengthy play, but it packs a walloping punch and I have been reflecting deeply ever since.
Turning The Screw runs until the 10th March and I suggest you get a ticket quick smart.
Also, a sidenote to wardrobe – Michelle Taylor-Knight, if you were in charge of Peter Pears’ knitwear & tie combos – they were perfection! Hats off!
Photography by Polly Hancock
Kevin Kelly
Thanks for your wonderful comments – so pleased that you enjoyed our show! And you nailed EXACTLY what we wanted people to feel after seeing it.
“Despite the challenging and at times, uncomfortable content, the play flowed and moved me – it felt important to be there. To learn more. To be told this story. To understand better and ask ourselves difficult and confronting questions.”
“There is no interval and the play seemed to be over in a flash. It may be not be a lengthy play, but it packs a walloping punch and I have been reflecting deeply ever since.”
And that’s what we hoped would be the response!
K-Squared Productions Limited