A Perfectly Spooky Night Out: ‘Turn of the Screw’ at Ottawa Little Theatre

A horror story, yes — but by today’s standards, Turn of the Screw is more a slow-burning gothic tale steeped in atmosphere than a fright fest. Its chills lie in suggestion, not shock — more unsettling than terrifying.

On stage at Ottawa Little Theatre until November 15, Tim Luscombe’s adaptation of Henry James’s late 1800s novella The Turn of the Screw is rich in candlelit shadows, eerie sounds, and psychological tension. It tells the story of a troubled, late-in-her-career spinster forced to relive the horrors of her first post as a governess to two orphaned children living on their absentee uncle’s estate in the English countryside.

The lights rise on an eerie, multi-level set that immediately draws the audience into an old-world ghost story, complete with doors that open on their own, a rocking horse that moves without a rider, and a bell that rings for no one.

In her inaugural role with OLT, Danielle McDonald is chillingly good as she moves seamlessly between child and adult, capturing both the innocence and manipulative edge of her character. Sharon Bernbaum excels as the compassionate governess whose sanity begins to unravel as she fears for the children’s souls — convinced that ghostly forces are trying to possess them. But does anyone else see what she sees?

It’s clear the governess loves the children, yet she’s haunted by doubts — why was young Miles expelled from school? Are the children as innocent as they appear? Her uncertainty deepens as the apparitions multiply, feeding her terror and the audience’s suspense.

Can the children also see the ghosts — and are they secretly drawn to them? How did the former governess, Miss Jessel, and her master’s friend, Peter Quint, die? Did they corrupt the children — and are they continuing to do so? These unanswered questions weave a web of tension that grips from start to finish.

Thomas Jestin plays the dual roles of Miles and the aloof, well-to-do employer who wants nothing to do with his wards. Susan Monaghan rounds out the cast with a strong turn as Mrs. Grose, the illiterate but loyal housemaid.

The small cast is uniformly strong, supported by effective period costumes that evoke the Victorian era without feeling overly formal. Hair and makeup work add to the authenticity, further immersing the audience in the ghostly world of Bly Manor.

Perfect for the spooky Halloween season, Turn of the Screw is eerie and just unsettling enough to raise goosebumps — not nightmares. It will keep you engaged, entertained, and guessing long after the house lights come up.

Turn of the Screw runs Wednesdays through Sundays until November 15, 2025. Tickets are available at ottawalittletheatre.com or by calling the box office at 613-233-8948.

Photo: Maria Vartanova