No longer booking
  • Venue King's Head Theatre, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 10 March 2024
  • Running time 90 minutes (no interval)
  • Age guidelines 16+

Turning the Screw is a fascinating and nuanced new play at the King’s Head Theatre in London.

Kevin Kelly’s new drama, directed by Tim McArthur, explores a key point in the life of legendary British composer Benjamin Britten, and the dynamics of power, art and what it can mean to be vulnerable.

The story follows young opera star and choirboy David Hemmings in the 1950’s, who is welcomed into the home of Britten and his partner Peter Pears, whilst Britten is writing a new opera based on Henry James’ novella ‘The Turn of the Screw’.

Set against the backdrop of ‘pink panic’ in Britain, and the government cracking down on ‘high profile homosexuals’, as Britten grapples with the melodies, and his own sexuality, this innocent relationship between Britten and Hemmings soon turns into an obsession, and the opera begins to bleed into their shared reality.

Turning the Screw is playing at the King’s Head Theatre in London from 14 February to 10 March 2024.

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Turning the Screw?

Gary Tushaw (he/him) as Benjamin Britten; Liam Watson (he/him) as David Hemmings; Simon Willmont (he/him) as Peter Pears; Jo Wickham (she/her) as Imogen Holst; Jonathan Clarkson (he/him) as Basil Coleman; Sam McHale (he/him) as Harry Morris.

Who are the creative team of Turning the Screw?

Writer and Producer Kevin Kelly (he/him), Director Tim McArthur (he/him).

Set Design by Laura Harling, Costume Design by Michelle Taylor-Knight, Sound Design by Paul Gavin, Music by  Benjamin Britten, Additional Composition by Rudy Percival, Lighting Design by Vittorio Verta.

Produced by K-Squared Productions Limited.

Important Notes

Content warning:

Touches on themes of emotional abuse, paedophilia and victim shaming

Venue Information

King's Head Theatre , Islington Square 116 Upper Street, London, N1 1AB

Nearest Tube or Train: Angel(Northern Line), Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line or Overground)

Nearest Buses: 4, 19, 30, 43

Directions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Turning the Screw is playing at the King's Head Theatre in London
The running time of Turning the Screw is 90 minutes (no interval)
The age recommendations for Turning the Screw are: 16+
Yes, Turning the Screw has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
No, sorry, Turning the Screw has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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