The Turn of the Screw, a new stage adaptation of Henry James’s classic ghost story, arrives at Arcola Theatre this September — and it is firmly one for the psychological-horror lovers.
Written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia, The Wasp) and directed by Nicky Allpress, this world premiere follows a young governess who takes a position at a remote country house. What begins as a promising fresh start soon becomes a disquieting fight to protect the children in her care from a presence she cannot explain.
But are the ghosts real, or is something even more frightening taking hold?
Latest Update
Checked 10 September 2026: Arcola Theatre confirms the London run from 11 September to 10 October 2026 in Studio 1, with tickets from £12–£39, a running time of 2 hours 10 minutes including a 20-minute interval, and age guidance of 12+.
Overview
- Venue: Studio 1, Arcola Theatre, Dalston
- London dates: 11 September–10 October 2026
- Tickets: £12–£39
- Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
- Age guidance: 12+
Cast
The company includes Amy Tara as the Governess, Toby Beynon as Miles/Quint, Kathleen McAuley Irvine as Flora/Jessel, Katy Slater as Mrs Grose, Jim Fish as Man/Master and Janita Mikkola in the ensemble.
Creative Team
The adaptation is written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and directed by Nicky Allpress. The creative team also includes Matthew Cassar (set and costume), Oliver McNally (lighting), Hattie North (sound), Wayne Fox (illusion), Mandy Gordon (intimacy and movement) and Emma Wilkinson (assistant director).
Dates and Tour
The Arcola run is the world premiere and launches a wider UK tour. The production is presented by Arcola Theatre and Blackeyed Theatre. This page remains the London production record so later tour updates can be linked rather than overwriting the original cast and run.
Accessibility
Arcola Theatre lists a relaxed performance on Saturday 19 September at 3pm and a captioned performance on Wednesday 23 September at 7.30pm. Access companions can be booked through the Arcola box office by phone or email.
The production’s content guidance includes scenes of physical and mental threat, references to death, supernatural material and jump scares.
Tickets
Check availability and book directly with Arcola Theatre →
From Page to Stage
Henry James’s 1898 novella has become one of the defining works of psychological ghost fiction, making this production a natural fit for Clarissa’s Corner’s From Covers to Curtains adaptation coverage.
More Gothic Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
For more supernatural and Gothic stage picks, browse our Horror Events guide and Chill & Thrill archive. Our new Dark Matters guide for Circle & Star Theatre is currently being prepared as a separate 2026 season article rather than folded into this production record.
This is an upcoming-show guide, not a review.
