Gaslight

Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play ‘Gaslight’ gave the 20th Century the term “gaslighting” – psychological manipulation intended to make the victim question their sanity.  To all intents and purposes the stage at The Lawrence Batley Theatre was perfectly set for a Victorian melodrama, but the audience were treated to an insightful and accurate depiction of an abusive relationship.  Jack and Bella Manningham have been married for seven years and whilst on the surface things seem perfectly normal the audience witness the continued collapse of their relationship as Jack manipulates and undermines his wife.  Jack’s mood is constantly fluctuating and the writer has him dismissing and belittling Bella at every turn.  This psychological domestic abuse and toxic masculinity was difficult to watch especially when so well played by the Huddersfield Thespians.  

Vivs Long-Ferguson played Housekeeper Elizabeth with a calm and all-seeing persona which ultimately helped to save Bella.  Long-Ferguson ensured that her character remained composed and efficient even in some very trying moments of the play.  Jenny Taylor was the waspish housemaid, Nancy and in the Thespians telling of this her character does use her feminine wiles to ‘manage’ the dreadful Jack.   Clearly not in awe of the mistress of the house Nancy sets out to cause mischief and Taylor perfectly captured the very mischievous and potentially dangerous side of Nancy.

Patrick Hibbin, as the mysterious Rough, really added to the building of tension as with his well-paced delivery it was never really clear how much help he would be to down-trodden Bella.  Excellently acted and good use of props and set – particularly dismantling the desk drawers which could have gone so horribly wrong.  Gareth Dickinson was a truly horrid Jack Manningham.  Dickinson was confident in managing the scenes to ensure that the audience witness the rise and fall of poor Bella as he lifts and then dismisses her within minutes.  Without making the role melodramatic Dickinson was the perfect manipulator and there was no doubt many audience members wished for his demise by the end of the play.  Bella Manningham was beautifully played by Poppy Stahelin.    Witnessing how she was elevated and crushed within a short space of time only for the cycle to be repeated was a very difficult watch.  Stahelin coped incredibly well with the changes of mood and clearly demonstrated the huge amount of anxiety her character was feeling within the moment, but also recognising the backstory of her mother’s mental illness.  Her final monologue, which had a near fatal outcome for Jack, was a stunning crescendo to the play.

With cameo appearances as policemen by Alistair Cheetham and Steve Marsden cast was complete and very strong. 

Director Alistair Cheetham sought to develop the female characters in the play, which can suffer from a 1930s outlook on Victorian life.  Whilst still remaining of their time he ensured the women of the story had greater depth.

All the actors had strong diction and projection with delivery in some of the most temper driven speeches  being excellent.  Set, props and costume were very well done and appropriate to the piece.  Light, which is so important to this play, worked wonderfully and the sound effects before and after the show helped to build the atmosphere.

A thought provoking and well-delivered piece of theatre.  Congratulations to Director Alistair Cheetham along with everyone involved in the Production. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.