Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

throughout. It was a joy to watch Rebecca, Sophia, Erin, Eloise, Bella, Opal, Edie immersed themselves in their roles, delivering performances that were polished, gripping, and thoroughly enjoyable. The final play of the evening, The Turn of the Screw, directed by Chris Loveless was undoubtedly the pièce de résistance. Adapted from Henry James’s iconic Victorian Gothic novel, this production delved into the psychological and supernatural turmoil of a governess who becomes convinced that the two children under her care are haunted. This chilling tale was brought to life by just two actors Maddy Backhouse and Joseph Cunningham who delivered a performance that can only be described as extraordinary. Their ability to portray a range of characters with clarity and emotional depth was awe-inspiring. Maddy’s portrayal of the increasingly unhinged governess captured the character’s growing paranoia with remarkable subtlety, while Joseph seamlessly embodied multiple roles, with extraordinary versatility. Together, they created a palpable sense of tension that built steadily throughout the performance, culminating in a haunting finale. It was a masterclass in storytelling, with the pair using minimal staging and maximum emotion to create an atmosphere that was both gripping and deeply unsettling. Maddy and Joseph are stars in the making, and their performance demonstrated a maturity and professionalism beyond their years. I eagerly await their next performance. The director of this piece, Chris Loveless, must be immensely proud of what he, and they, achieved. The success of the evening is a testament not only to the actors but also to the tireless efforts of directors Carol, Emily and Chris. Their vision, dedication, and ability to nurture young talent has created a theatre group that consistently delivers excellence. The evening was a vivid reminder of the incredible artistic potential within the Furness community, and the pride and joy of those involved were palpable in every moment of the performance. Finally, I extend my thanks to Chris Loveless for inviting me. The standard of acting, and the haunting brilliance of the final performance will stay with me for a long time. I eagerly await the next production from Furness Youth Theatre knowing it will be another testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of this exceptional group.

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