Black eyeliner’s not Chelsey Gillard’s style any more, but the Torch Theatre’s artistic director still has enough Gothic spirit to be drawn to Henry James’ Turn of the Screw.

It’s not the first time the theatre has staged the classic ghost story, and Chelsey is hoping that her choice of adaptation - by Geoffrey Hatcher - lives up to former director Peter Doran’s own interpretation back in 2013.

What makes this version unique is that it features just two actors on stage. She was drawn to it because it preserves the ambiguity of the novel, which frames the story using various distancing devices. Do we believe the governess? Do we trust the children’s innocence? Do we even trust ourselves, or are we being taken in?

“That’s the point of theatre,” Chelsey says. “We watch it together then talk about it afterwards.”

Local actor Sam Freeman has his work cut out, as he plays nearly all the characters - each of them well defined - and this requires mastery of several different accents and acting styles.

Chelsey was excited to cast Seren Vickers as the Governess. Leaving university at the same time, they shared experience of the Cardiff theatre scene. Seren was eager to accept the role as the theatre has an excellent reputation. Alongside all that Pembrokeshire has to offer, the Torch is one of the few places in Wales making its own productions, and the team is so welcoming.

Turn of the Screw might be Chelsey’s first classic literature adaptation. “It’s a treat… I love books.”

How does Chelsey see her role as director? Casting is a big part of the job, then making sure all elements work together, and being the first audience. She’ll be crafting the tension like a musical score and ensuring that every member of the audience is taken on a journey.