Gaslight

Gaslight is a Victorian thriller, with a mystery to be unwrapped. Some may remember the vintage film of the same name, which starred Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. The play was written in 1938 and it was last produced by Canberra REP in 1946.

The set (designed by Ian Croker) is a living room in a gloomy part of London in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Much care has been taken with furnishings, props, and the gas lights. Similarly, the costume design by Helen Drum lends authenticity to the production. This would be one of the standouts of the year thus far.

Kate Blackhurst plays the part of Bella Manningham very well, making the audience understand how Bella can be brought to question her sanity by strange things happening in her own house. Peter Holland plays Jack Manningham, bringing out the character’s apparent reasonableness and kindness, and hinting at shadows. Pat Gallagher is extremely good as Inspector Rough and almost steals the scenes in which he appears. Natalie Waldron is charming and cheeky as the maid Nancy and her colourful character and smiling face are a counterpoint to Bella’s paleness and worry.

The play is rather wordy and is repetitive in parts, which is more to do with the era in which it was written. This creates a bit of a dragging effect at times.

The sound and lighting design (Jon Pearson and Chris Ellyard) enhances the play’s mood and is never overdone nor neglected. The music written for the movie soundtrack by Bernard Herrmann is used sparingly but most effectively. Kudos to the actors, director and stage team whose dedication and skill have created an interesting play with undertones of psychological threat and menace.

Rachel McGrath-Kerr