Gaslight
People's Theatre
29th March 2022
Written by Patrick Hamilton
Directed by Gordon Russell
Gaslight is a Victorian thriller. Written in 1938 it deals with and gave the name to, a particular type of psychological manipulation, whereby a person exerts control over another by deliberately undermining them, forcing them to question and doubt their own actions and sanity. It is thought of as a modern issue, yet the play that inspired the term "gaslighting" was penned almost 100 years ago.
From the outset we see that Mrs Manningham is a nervous, intimidated woman. She tiptoes and whispers so as not to disturb her husband, and starts and flinches when he wakens and speaks to her. It soon becomes apparent that all is not well in their relationship. Jack Manningham (Sam Hinton) is arrogant, overbearing and clearly concealing something from his overwrought wife. We discover that Bella (Catherine Ellis) has been "unwell", a disposition that her husband finds distasteful. Their relationship, once beautiful and loving, has soured and Jack takes every opportunity to belittle his wife. He flirts with the maid in front of his wife and draws attention to her prettiness in comparison with his wife's pale, wan complexion. He taunts her with an evening at the theatre, only to take away the prize as a punishment for her "misbehaviour". Things in the house mysteriously vanish and Bella is blamed for them, he twists her words and actions and uses them against her, making her doubt her sanity.
Bella tries to please him and at every turn is thwarted.
Jack goes out every night, leaving Bella alone in a house that she hates. She hears strange noises in her room, and is haunted by the strange dimming of the gas lights - always when her husband is away from home.
Salvation for Bella appears in the unlikely form of Inspector Rough, former policeman. A gruff, but good natured chap, with an interest in the house and its occupiers. He has suspicions about Mr Manningham, and needs Bella's help to uncover the truth and the evidence. But will she have the strength of character to go against her domineering husband?
This is a tense thriller. The suspense builds as Jack Manningham reveals more and more of his character, and Bella's discomfort and agitation grows. The acting is exemplary. We feel every bit of Bella's discomfort, and are repulsed by Jack Manningham as he slowly destroys his wife's peace of mind, while preening at himself in the mirror. Inspector Rough (Stuart Douglas) enters the play like a breath of fresh air, bringing intrigue and humour and hope into Bella's life, and some relief to the audience.
The acting is only surpassed by the quality of the set and sound. The set has recreated a Victorian Parlour with care and precision - complete with typically Victorian decor and the offending gas mantles of the title, while low key music adds to the sinister atmosphere.
The tension stretches to the very last moments of the play, keeping the audience on tenterhooks until the very end. Well executed, brilliantly directed, and well worth seeing, Gaslight plays until Sat 2nd April. Tickets can be booked at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk
Denise Sparrowhawk
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