TURN OF THE SCREW
West Wycombe Village Hall

What better than a cold dreary evening to set the atmosphere for watching a ghost story? Written by Henry James, adapted by Ken Whitmore and sensitively directed by Martin Hailey the Masque Players gave a polished performance. This tale of an innocent young governess left in charge of two wilful orphan children is set in a large old haunted house. Ewen Haynes was the thoughtless and rather selfish uncle and Caroline Rhodes excellent as Miss Grey the governess with Pearl Chubb convincing as the cuddly disbelieving housekeeper. Members of Masquerade the youth wing of the Masque Players, Carmel Butler and Justin Clinch were superb as the two young orphans and Nick Hook and Marina Maramao in skilful makeup played to perfection the ghosts of the previous governess and her lover the valet endeavouring to possess the children.  Credit should go to Lannie Staff for the authentic costumes and add to this mix eerie lighting and sound effects and you have a chilling experience. I look forward to seeing further productions by the talented group.

Rita Carpenter.