Gaslight

I first saw “Gaslight” many years ago as a film with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer and on stage in 1974 with Patricia Phoenix in the lead role. I remember being intrigued with the piece but it was so long ago that I could not recall the plot. Therefore I was looking forward to this production by  St Ambrose Players who are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. The curtains opened to a magnificent set. This company has an enviable reputation of set construction and they have again produced a splendid working area for the actors. Furnishing and props together with period costumes produced a  perfect example of a Victorian Drawing Room. Author, Patrick Hamilton introduces the main characters from the beginning. They moved the action at just the correct pace enabling the audience to  grasp the plot with ease. Diction was excellent from all on stage, so important in this very wordy play. Directors Lionel Glover and Kath Creer have been fortunate to have some very talented actors at their disposal and the production team’s  experience showed in this memorable play. There were some impressive performances, particularly from Sarah White as Bella and David Quick as D.I. Rough. They were  in character throughout and complemented each other as the play progressed. I loved the delightful cameo role played by Kerry Chippendale as Nancy the saucy maid. She had a delightful Cockney accent and never stepped out of character. Sound and Lighting effects, so important in this piece, were excellent, They were responsible for setting the mood for this splendid thriller. Yet another success for this very talented  company.

Happy_Anniversary!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

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