Gaslight

I have now seen and reviewed several performances by the Pymble Players and I am usually always impressed by the attention to detail with regards to the set decoration. This play, however, is entirely different with a noticeably minimal and dark set used to great affect by director Joy Sweeney.  The stark surroundings serve to amplify the lonely and loveless existence of the leading lady and also mirror the dreadful intentions of the monstrous leading man. 

Audience members of a certain age may remember the 1944 film version of this story and Sweeney has captured the essence of that whilst simultaneously giving us a production that a modern audience can relate to.  The simplicity and contemporary feel of the ‘black box stage’ might seem at odds with the historically accurate 1880’s costumes however the two blend seamlessly to give us a very powerful and often disturbing piece of theatre.  Playwright Patrick Hamilton would be very pleased with this rendition of his thriller.

The success of this play relies heavily on the fragility of Bella Manningham, who is being systematically, psychologically abused by her husband Jack.  Amelia Conway is superbly cast as the wan and frail Bella and the audience was quick to jump to her defence and gasp with sympathy when Nick Roberts as Jack first showed his true colours. A lady two seats away from me happily shared at interval that she was much more comfortable when Roberts was not on the stage.  This is a compliment to both actors because if Conway had not immediately garnered our affection and Roberts had not been so convincingly heinous, the audience would not have had such an adverse reaction and felt so awkward as witnesses to the unfolding and cruel abuse. To my knowledge this is the first time that either Conway or Roberts have appeared on the Pymble stage and as a regular audience member it would be fabulous to see more of both of them in the future.

The mystery aspects of this play are single-handedly solved by the police detective called Rough, a helpful and comforting character who is charmingly brought to life by David Kirkham. Kirkham has a natural warmth and gentle touch with Conway providing the perfect counterbalance to her loud and heartless husband. Indeed, detective Rough is the only source of respite for Bella who gets little solace from Elizabeth (a dutiful servant who is intimidated by her master) and Nancy (a saucy and conniving serving girl who blatantly disrespects her mistress and flirts with her master).  These last two characters are portrayed by Kate Kelly and Georgia Drewe.  Kelly is conveniently small which heightens the ability of Roberts to physically threaten her and Drewe is suitably voluptuous and makes the most of her sexual energy and intentions. 

With moody lighting, eerie fog and unnerving music to reinforce the tension, this small cast of five does a brilliant job of building and maintaining suspense throughout.  As the Director, Set Designer and Wardrobe aficionado Sweeney has ticked all the boxes and created something special.  She deserves more than one nip of Rough’s whisky. Congratulations to all involved.

Gaslight will flicker with the Pymble Players until the 26^th November.  The venue is very intimate so secure your tickets now (if this hasn’t already sold out).  4.5 nips of whisky out of 5.

Fiona Kelly

Photography by Daniel Ferris.