In a creepy country house with a doomy lake, a new Governess finds that the little boy and girl in her care are obsessed with unnerving characters who appear and disappear. As she confronts the unfolding truth about the mysterious man and woman, the children slip further and further from her grasp.
Britten's opera, produced for Regent's Park Open Air Theatre with English National Opera was based on the novel by Henry James, and set in the 19th century. The libretto is by Myfanwy Piper, whose husband John Piper designed many sets for the original productions of Britten's great mid-20th century operas.
While the opera is quite often staged, this is a very rare and atmospheric chance to see it outdoors – much of the action takes place in the discomforting gardens of grim Bly House.
Artists in a cast of old hands and rising stars include the Welsh soprano Rhian Lois. She is a Harewood artist at ENO, on the scheme that has produced some of today's top singers, such as Nicky Spence, Elizabeth Watts, Mary Bevan and Sophie Bevan.
Timothy Sheader directs, Toby Purser conducts, and the set and costume design is by Soutra Gilmour.
The Turn of the Screw is sung in English. Book before 30 April to get £5 off the cheapest seats at previews on 22 and 23 June, or get money off this and other Regent's Park Open Air Theatre shows with a season ticket.
| What | Britten's The Turn of the Screw, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre |
| Where | Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, Inner Cir, Westminster, London, NW1 4NU | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Baker Street (underground) |
| When |
22 Jun 18 – 30 Jun 18, eight performances at 7.45PM; two at 2.15PM |
| Price | £23- £55 |
| Website | Click here for more information and booking |
