A new production of Britten’s The Turn of the Screw from OperaGlass Works, with Francesca Chiejina in the role of Miss Jessel, was due to take place in late March 2020. In the middle of the rehearsal period the performances had to be cancelled due to lockdown; however, the cast reconvened later in the year to film the production on location at Wilton’s Music Hall. The film, directed by Dominic Best, Selina Cadell and Eliza Thompson and conducted by John Wilson, was released in January 2021 on Marquee TV.
The production has been widely acclaimed by critics, and Francesca Chiejina’s performance has received glowing reviews:
“The unearthly beauty of Murray’s and Chiejina’s singing adds immeasurably to the sense of evil the pair of them generate.”
Tim Ashley, The Guardian ★★★★
“Francesca Chiejina’s intense, vulnerable Miss Jessel”
Neil Fisher, The Times ★★★★
“[Quint’s] evil machinations were supported by Francesca Cheijina’s Miss Jessel in a velvety and haunting portrayal.”
Benjamin Poore, OperaWire
“A pretty flawless cast […] Francesca Chiejina’s Miss Jessel, her luscious voice heavy with illicit experience and knowledge.”
Alexandra Coghlan, The Spectator
“Francesca Chiejina is a voluptuous, seductive Miss Jessel”
Hugh Canning, The Times
“Superb performances from […] Francesca Chiejina’s resolute Miss Jessel”
George Hall, The Stage ★★★★
"The cast is without weakness [...] Francesca Chiejina and Robert Murray are well paired as the ghostly Miss Jessel and Peter Quint."
Richard Fairman, Financial Times
The Turn of the Screw is available to stream on Marquee TV – watch it here.
Photo credit: Laurie Sparham
