Gaslight

                            

                                    

I had a lovely welcome on arrival by Chairperson Alison Baker and Secretary Loraine Crook. The play was set in London in the 1880s and  took place in the drawing room of the Manningham’s flat. The set, designed by David Thompson and built by the society was very appropriate and quite delightful in hues of pink and green. There were two good entrances/exits carefully designed to continue the colour theme in the room. The fireplace was realistic with a warm red glow. There was a period bureau on one side and this played an important role in the plot. The only real prop was a tea trolley wheeled in and out when appropriate. The costumes, courtesy of Jo Parrick and the Manifest Costume Team, were all relevant to the period with Mrs Manningham’s dress being quite magnificent.

Lighting was used to good effect and sound levels were also good with all the actors projecting their voices well.

All the actors were well cast and excellent in their roles. Emily Woods, as the somewhat hysterical Mrs Bella Manningham, played this part brilliantly, being driven towards insanity by the constant mental and physical cruelty of her husband, Jack. She constantly questioned her own sanity Jack Manningham, expertly played by Peregrine Maturin-Baird was suave, arrogant and over bearing, treating the servants, and his wife with disdain. He strode the stage confidently whilst exerting ever greater psychological abuse over his hapless wife. His cruelties to his wife were subtle and ongoing eg convincing her that the gaslights dimmed of their own accord whilst he was out. Les Chisnall as Rough, a police inspector, was a kindly, upstanding and determined character if somewhat ponderous. He was intent on apprehending Jack for the murder of the aunt who had lived in the upstairs flat and had hidden her jewels there. Well played by Les.

The two maids played their characters really well. Elizabeth, played by Jazmin Chandler was quite subservient, being kind and benevolent to her mistress and perhaps a little simple.. Nancy, played by Maddy Smith was altogether much more worldly, often verging on insolent and she displayed some great facial expressions. Certainly, she treated Jack with disdain as she unashamedly flirted with him.

The sixth actor on stage was Jonathan Abbott playing a small role as Man.

Without exception all the actors interpreted their characters very well and really seemed to “live” the character.

Many congratulations to Director Will Parrick for his creativity and ability to bring out the very best from this talented cast.

Well done to everyone involved in any way. I enjoyed this play very much as did the appreciative audience

 

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