Viewing The Turn of The Screw, Marquee TV

With the world in and out of lockdown, it’s been a turbulent time for the arts. The good news is that Marquee TV, the global streaming platform described by the Financial Times as ‘the new Netflix for the arts’, has been doing its bit to bring the world’s greatest dance, ballet, opera and theatre to our homes.

Now it’s the turn of Benjamin Britten’s spine-chilling chamber opera, The Turn of the Screw. Based on Henry James’ Gothic novella, it tells the story of a young governess, desperate to protect her two orphan charges, Miles and Flora, from mysterious, ghostly happenings at a remote country estate.

The opera, presented and produced by OperaGlass Works, was filmed at Wilton’s Music Hall, the historic London venue where it was set to premiere in March 2020. Conducted by John Wilson and played by the Sinfonia of London, which recorded at Cadogan Hall, this daring production combines qualities of opera, theatre and film to dazzling effect.

‘The most important thing for us was to film the singers live as they performed in the theatre,’ said Eliza Thompson, Director and Co-Founder of OperaGlass Works. ‘The pianist played the accompaniment through an earpiece as they sang. John kept the beat in their ear, creating what we call a live click track, conducting them remotely. We were adapting and learning on our feet.’

OperaGlass Works’ version of The Turn of the Screw is a compelling new addition to the platform’s rich online offering — and is now available to stream on demand. Grab the popcorn, it’s time to get comfy.