Gaslight

NOMADS – “Gaslight” - A Victorian Melodrama - By Patrick Hamilton

St Peter’s Church House 19/10/24

 

Gaslight is a challenging play to perform as it only has a cast of five, with the plot revolving around the three main roles of Bella Manningham, Jack Manningham and Inspector Rough, a retired Police Inspector. The psychological methods used by Jack are well illustrated and, as pointed out in the Director’s Notes, the term “Gaslighting” is directly derived from this play.

The curtain opened onto a Set that perfectly represented a Victorian sitting room.  The stage dressing was equally impressive as were the costumes of all the characters.  Alan Daft and his “Crew”, deserve huge congratulations.  The lighting was extremely effective, particularly the flickering of the gas lights, which was superbly done.   Neil Paylor and James Greenhough, please take a bow.

The plot of “Gaslight” is a classic example of psychological abuse. Bella Manningham believes she is losing her mind because she misplaces, steals or moves items around, but she has no memory of doing so.   Her husband, Jack, appears to be trying to help her but the methods he uses seem dubious. He goes out every evening and, when he is out, the gas lights dim and there are noises in the rooms above her.  Bella believes this to be part of her deteriorating mental state, but the surprise arrival of a retired Police Inspector begins to change things.

The part of Bella Manningham is played by Sarah Rutherford.  Sarah managed to portray each aspect of Bella’s tormented state very effectively, ranging from deep despair and dread, her almost hysterical happiness when Jack appears to show her some kindness, to her cold determination when the truth is revealed. A complete and accomplished performance.

Andy Studdart played Jack Manningham, a complex, devious character, with great aplomb. He managed to convey the subtleties of the apparently caring, loving husband, the womanising cheat, and the devious, scheming thief who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. An impressive, well rounded performance.

The role of Police Inspector Rough (Retired) is vitally important to this story and requires a forceful yet sympathetic performance.  Alan Daft played this role expertly, displaying both these qualities. This character serves to explain the reasons why Jack behaves as he does, telling the full story of his search for hidden jewels. Alan did this confidently and with ease.

The supporting roles of the Housekeeper (Elizabeth) and the Maid (Nancy), played by Helen King and Sarah Greenhough respectively, were well cast. Helen showed the character’s support and sympathy for Bella simply and effectively, while Sarah displayed the level of disrespect and arrogance towards Bella that would be expected of someone with desires to replace her as Mistress of the House.

Barry Elener and Roger Kay completed the cast as the two Policemen who took Jack away at the end.

Charlie Stockwell has once again directed a strong cast superbly. Her attention to detail was excellent, as the impressive continuity trick of repeating the last few seconds of Act1 at the beginning of Act2 clearly demonstrated.  She really brought the best out of her cast. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

I would also like to acknowledge the Stage Management Team of Martin Parrot and Barry Elener; Dominic Vincent, who provided us with some very atmospheric music, and Leisa Sherry, who produced the Banners and Posters for the show.

To all the wonderful people who were Front of House and looked after my wife and I so well, Thank you:- Pat Elener, Pat Davis, Margaret Lukey, Locksley Rutherford and Danni Pickles.

 

 

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