Gaslight

Following in the footsteps of previous iconic productions of this dark and brooding melodrama and inspired by the true crimes of the Victorian era which formed the basis of the play and successful screen adaptations, is never easy for local drama companies. To be successful the players must give themselves whole heartedly to the concept and immerse themselves so deeply into their characters that they are those people and just not playing a role.

Of course, to do so you need actors who are not just delivering the lines but are talented interpreters of the dialogue and have that inane ability to hold an audience spell bound by their stage presence whilst not doing so. In addition, you need a director who has the talent and skill set to bring the best from his cast. The Westovians had all these and more in this production of Gaslight.

The evening flew by and the audience were drawn into the intensity of the plot of the evil murderous Mr.Manningham to drive his wife insane to secure her wealth and estate and at the same time try to recover hidden rubies secreted by the house’s former owner whom he had murdered. Fighting for her sanity and indeed her life Mrs Manningham is helped by the retired Inspector Rough (a dour but savvy Scotsman) who has tracked the murderer over a number of years and her servant Elizabeth. Her cause is not helped by the salacious servant Nancy who sets her cap for the master of the house and does what she can to undermine her mistress.

Commenting at the beginning on the qualities needed to deliver the production, in my opinion the cast were outstanding and delivered their roles with complete professionalism, with a complete understanding of their craft. They were utterly believable in every aspect of their roles.  

Annie Cairns as Mrs Manningham was simply superb. As she said herself it was important to get the portrayal of the character accurate, including the emotional triggers seen within the abusive relationship and by golly did she deliver.

The versatile and multi-talented Declan Marshall delivered a wonderful interpretation of the murderous Mr. Manningham. He brought out excellently the character’s cold-hearted intentions hidden under the veneer of respectability until finally being brought to justice.

As the maverick Inspector Rough, Bill Innes gave the audience a cleverly interpretative performance of the sleuth who had with dogged determination sought to bring to justice the murderer that was Manningham. The light and shade of the role and the delivery of the lighter comedic touches were good.

Returning to the stage as Elizabeth, Danielle Miller brought to the part all her experience and talent she has amassed. Her interpretation of the ever-supportive servant and go between Mrs Manningham and Inspector Rough was spot on and crucial to the success of the show.

Reading through her C.V. of an already burgeoning list, the talent that is Hollie Chinneck delivered yet another bravura performance as the flirtatious and scheming under servant Nancy. She had the nuances of the character down to a T. Her stage work is a delight to see and be part of from an audience point of view.

Of course, a lot of the plaudits would not be possible without those behind the scenes. Take a bow Peter Dawson and your support staff who covered all facets of the production from innovative sets, lighting sound, and of course not forgetting the front of house staff who are the welcoming face of the Westovians.

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