Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch – until 26th October 2024
Reviewed by Fozia Munshi-Nicholson
4****
Most will have seen an adaptation of this Henry James novel at some point. This performance is a perfect lead-up to Halloween as the days become shorter, especially if you enjoy a good creepy tale. The production had a few surprises; for example, you could smell cigarette smoke during the opening scene. It was so subtle that I had to check with my partner if he could smell it too.
The entire stage is set up to look bleak, with the only signs of active life being the children, played by James Akka as Miles and Lexine Lee as Flora. They are the focal point of Siubhan Harrison’s spiralling Governess. Although the play is set in a modern background, the novel’s 1840s setting lends an even more sinister note to the implications of what could be happening to the children.
The minimalist set design, with its stark and haunting visuals, effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of the story. The use of lighting and shadows plays a crucial role in creating a sense of foreboding and suspense. The director’s choice to incorporate modern elements such as TV sets that randomly turn on, while staying true to the original period adds a unique twist that keeps the audience guessing.
With only five actors, the play manages to convey the disturbing mental decline of the Governess acutely. You can’t quite tell if she is mentally spiralling, if the house is haunted, if the children are possessed or driving her mad on purpose, if Michael Joel Bartelle’s Sackville purposely chose a mentally unstable woman as a governess for nefarious reasons, or if the housekeeper Mrs. Grose, played by Kristin Mcllquham, is as innocent as she seems. The tale moves quickly, and the Governess’s obsession keeps you on the edge of your seat until the climactic ending. The ending is chilling and leaves you with as many questions as the beginning.
The performances are compelling, with Siubhan Harrison delivering an unnerving portrayal of the Governess. Her descent into paranoia and fear is both believable and unsettling. James Akka and especially Lexine Lee bring a haunting innocence to their roles as Miles and Flora, making their characters’ actions and motivations even more ambiguous and disturbing.
The sound design also deserves special mention. The subtle use of background noises, such as animal noises and distant banging which could be footsteps, adds to the overall sense of unease. The occasional jarring sound effects punctuate the tension, making the audience jump at just the right moments.
In conclusion, this adaptation of Henry James’s novel is a blend of psychological horror and gothic mystery. It keeps the audience engaged from start to finish, with its clever use of sensory details, strong performances, and a gripping storyline. Whether you are a fan of the original novel or new to the story, this play offers a fresh and thrilling experience that is perfect for the Halloween season.