The King’s Head Theatre in London has revealed casting for its production of Turning the Screw, about the life of British composer Benjamin Britten .
Turning the Screw tells the story of the famed composer Benjamin Britten, set during the pink panic in the 1950s as he grapples with his homosexuality whilst composing opera ‘The Turn of the Screw’.
The cast is led by Gary Tushaw (Allegro, The Rocky Horror Show) as Benjamin Britten, Liam Watson (Penned Up) as David Hemmings, and Simon Willmont (Mamma Mia!) as Peter Pears.
They are joined by Jo Wickham (Steel Magnolias) as Imogen Holst, Jonathan Clarkson (The Pitchfork) as Basil Coleman, and Sam McHale (The Secret Garden) as Harry Morris.
Turning the Screw is written by Kevin Kelly (The Milkman’s on His Way) and directed by Tim McArthur (Into the Woods, Deeper and Deeper).
The play previously ran at the New Wimbledon Theatre’s Studio in 2022.
Writer Kevin Kelly said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce the brilliant cast who will be taking this amazing piece of hidden LGBTQIA+ history to a brand new theatre in London!”
Director Tim McArthur said: “There is something very exciting about returning to a piece of new writing – being able to reevaluate what worked well and to identify how we might tell the story in a stronger, more emotional and more dramatic way. We must tell the story in a sensitive manner that is not offensive to today’s society but we also want to portray an honest account that represents both sides of the characters’ journeys and leaves the audience questioning the situation and experience. For me, that is what challenging theatre is all about, making people think and discuss what they have seen!”
The King’s Head Theatre recently opened its new space in Islington Square, after leaving its old pub venue after 53 years.
Currently playing at the King’s Head is Exhibitionists, until 10 February 2024.
Turning the Screw is playing at the King’s Head Theatre in London from 14 February to 10 March 2024.
More about tickets to Turning the Screw at the King’s Head Theatre London
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