One of Sheffield’s longest running community theatre groups, The Company, returns to the Drama Studio this autumn with the world premiere of The Turning at Bly Manor by Sam Islam.
In The Company’s new addition to their previous critically-acclaimed horror productions – The Haunting of Hill House (2022), Night of the Living Dead™ Live (2023) and Dracula (2024) – gothic ghouls are reimagined and collide with pagan folklore, whilst magic carried by Bly Manor is fueled by something ancient, angry and filled with feminine rage.
This captivating and chilling adaptation blends the legendary Henry James’ great supernatural horror classic ‘The Turn of The Screw’ and the modern day, much like Mike Flanagan’s hit Netflix miniseries ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ to create a stage adaptation unlike ever seen before.
The Company’s Artistic Director, Mark Todd said: “When I saw the pitch for The Turning of Bly Manor, which combined several stories from the legendary Henry James into Sam’s fresh and unique script and directed by horror devotees and theatrical forces of nature Monica and Erin, I knew immediately that this would be an incredible show. This production promises to be the perfect start to the spooky season and I can’t wait to see it hit the stage at the Drama Studio.”
Bly Manor a the beautiful estate and the mysterious home of a dead billionaire and a timeless secret. The play is set in both 1899, where a young governess is plunged into a world of apparitions abound and old ghosts risen from the manor’s depths, and the present day where five people accept an invitation to uncover the secrets of Bly Manor and vanish without a trace.
As the past and present intertwine, forbidden passions blossom, dangerous secrets are brought to light and Bly’s newest inhabitants are forced to confront the fact they may be there for a much darker purpose.
Working closely with Sam Islam, directors Monica Gallo and Erin Whyte seek to explore the gothic James’ universe through a folk horror lens.
Erin Whyte said: “Whilst I love a gothic haunted house as much as the next morbid individual, I was drawn to how this adaptation incorporated elements of folk horror – the isolation of the manor, the secrecy of the those who inhabit it and what otherworldly folkloric forces are lurking beneath this green and pleasant land waiting for another turn in the Sun?”
The Company is a staple of Sheffield’s community theatre scene and has performed at the Drama Studio for over 30 years, entertaining more than 2000 audience members in the past two years alone.
The Turning at Bly Manor premieres 30th September – 3rd October 2026 at the Drama Studio, Sheffield at 7:30pm – 10:15pm (including 2 x 10 minute intervals).
Tickets are £17 full / £15 concessions.
