Gaslight

With the ending of British Summer Time this weekend, Patrick Hamilton’s ‘Gaslight’ was an appropriate choice for Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatic Society’s (SNADS) autumn production.  As the lights went down and the gaslights came up, the authentically-dressed set evoked perfectly the atmosphere of a winter’s afternoon in Victorian England, with the handsomely be-whiskered Manningham dozing at the fireside.

The focus in this play is on the leading lady (who has an extensive script to learn) and Jan Wyld sustained creditably the character of Mrs Manningham, as she was by turns coaxed and tormented by her husband, so that the audience were clearly aware of the trap he was setting for her.  Although the plot is relatively straightforward, the emotional journey for Bella Manningham is complex and was performed with an intensity which lent credibility to the character, and with a refreshing crispness and clarity of diction which is to be commended.  There were gasps from the audience as Manningham (Robert Cowley) schemed to condemn Bella to the madhouse, creating and then playing upon her anxiety.

In any Victorian household the servants are key, and with Joni Clowrey playing the outrageously insolent and saucy minx, Nancy, clearly intent on usurping her mistress, and Ann Baseden playing the warm and kindly Elizabeth, there emerged a clear picture of the power play between the three women and the evil and manipulative master of the house.

With the arrival of ex-Inspector Rough, events begin to turn against the duplicitous murderer, Manningham.  Tony Harrison played a believably thoughtful and analytical detective, although at times so ponderous that the audience were anxiously awaiting his next revelation! 

SNADS’ technical crew provided an authentic set and the gas lighting effects were expertly designed by Tony Atkinson, who avoided the trap of making the stage too dark.  The company were perfectly turned out in terms of hair, make-up and costume, and with only a couple of minor technical blips (the audience would like to take their seats before being plunged into darkness) this was a smooth and well-rehearsed production from Director Val Atkinson.

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