As if starting a new school isn’t a big enough challenge, Year 7 student, Holly H, is juggling this with preparing to perform on the professional London stage in English National Opera’s forthcoming production of The Turn of the Screw.
Written by British composer Benjamin Britten, The Turn of the Screw is a chamber opera based on Henry James’ novel of the same name, first performed in Venice in 1954.
It features five professional adult singers and two young singers who play the children Flora and Miles. Holly will be singing the part of Flora.
It tells the story of a young, inexperienced governess who is invited to a bleak country house, home to two orphaned children, Flora and Miles, who are both deeply troubled, possibly possessed. The governess soon begins to see apparitions around the grounds and as the children’s behaviour becomes increasingly strange, she becomes convinced that these ghosts have come to claim the two children. But are the ghosts real or is it just her fevered imagination?
This plot, combined with Britten’s dark, eerie score performed by a relatively small chamber orchestra of 13 instruments, makes this one of the most unnerving of all operas.
Holly went through a rigorous audition process before securing the part.
‘I am absolutely delighted to be playing the part of ‘Flora’ in the English National Opera’s production of ‘Turn of the Screw’ at the London Coliseum. This is such a magnificent opportunity which still feels a bit like a dream! I am currently in the process of rehearsals. It’s amazing being surrounded with such a lovely crew of directors, stage crew, a conductor, a pianist, designers and a group of professional opera singers, all with so many great ideas. I cannot wait to see what we all produce together. ‘Turn of the Screw’ is a naturally spooky, spine tingling and frightening opera with a gripping storyline of a young governess who looks after two young siblings in a remote estate in the country. And not just any two children, two children who are almost definitely being possessed and controlled by two ghosts of the past. Flora is an unusual character. She is also creative, loving and full of strange secrets. I’m very excited to perform on the stage and enjoy every moment!’
It would be lovely if members of the Sutton High School community would go along to support Holly. To be a soloist in an English National Opera production is an incredible achievement and we feel extremely proud of her.
There are two casts of young people playing the children. Holly’s performances will take place at 2.30pm on Sunday 13th October and at 7pm on both 23rd October and 29th October.
For more details about the opera, and how to book tickets (including information on getting free tickets for 5-15 and 16-21 year olds) visit the ENO’s website at https://www.eno.org/whats-on/the-turn-of-the-screw/
