'Gaslight', presented by Sandgate Theatre and directed by Catherine Radbourne, is a chilling psychological thriller that holds its grip on the audience from beginning to end. Written in 1938, Patrick Hamilton’s play dives deep into the dark dynamics of a treacherous marriage, coercive control, manipulation, and the mysteries of the past. This production brings the suspense vividly to life at the Sandgate Town Hall, with standout performances and carefully crafted tension that makes for a riveting experience.
Set in 1880s London, 'Gaslight' unfolds in the unsettling confines of the Manninghams’ Victorian home, where Bella Manningham (Shannon Bea) is increasingly convinced that she is losing her mind. As strange occurrences unfold, her controlling husband, Jack Manningham (Ewan Orton), undermines her sense of reality. His disappearances, his flirtation with the servant, and the ominous dimming of the gaslights begin to drive Bella to the edge. But when Inspector Rough (Gareth Macready) arrives, the pieces start to fall into place, revealing the tragic mystery of a murder committed for hidden jewels and the true depth of Jack's malice. The living room set, filled with ornate furnishings, a fireplace, and glowing gaslights, creates an inviting yet eerie feel. Most of the action takes place upstage, pulling us into the Manningham household’s suffocating atmosphere.
The performances are where this production truly shines - complete with flawless accents. Shannon Bea's portrayal of Bella feels especially authentic, showing a woman trapped in a world where she must walk on eggshells—her furtive glances, wringing hands, and wide-eyed anxiety tell us more than words ever could. From her very first moments onstage, Bea wears a look of constant worry that never falters. As the story reaches its climax, we can feel her fear as she visibly trembles in moments of tension, while we heartbreakingly witness her trying to maintain her composure. A particularly emotional moment occurs when Bella reads a letter from her family that had been hidden from her, causing her to break into very real tears – a powerful touch that further immerses the audience in her distress.
Ewan Orton brings a chilling intensity to the role of Jack Manningham. His portrayal is all about contrast: he can switch moods in an instant, using sudden shifts in tone to keep Bella (and us) constantly on edge. Orton's voice exudes authority even when speaking in a gentle tone, conveying either a façade of kindness or an obvious seething anger. There’s a visceral sense of disdain in the way he addresses Bella as “my dear,” a term that drips with irony as their interactions become colder. Later, his constant dismissive “Bella...” drips with cruelty as he gaslights her at every turn. Notably, he refrains from physically touching Bella throughout the play, which makes his psychological abuse all the more sinister. With mere words and presence, he wields incredible power to instil fear and it’s unnerving to watch. His continuous mocking and degrading of her, even going so far as to threaten their dog, made me want to slap his smug face - a clear testament to Orton’s skill in making Jack utterly despisable.
The supporting characters bring a much-needed balance to the dark atmosphere. Gareth Macready’s Inspector Rough arrives as a welcome dose of comic relief and a glimmer of hope, providing Bella (and the audience) with a lifeline out of her nightmare. His quick thinking and slightly disheveled charm contrast wonderfully with the refined façade of Bella’s life with Jack, helping her uncover the truth that’s been intentionally obscured. Macready adds wonderful acting nuances, like dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief and stroking his beard thoughtfully. Though he occasionally jumped his lines, his portrayal remains strong, and he brings levity to the production without undermining the gravity of Bella’s plight. Alanna Sadler as the younger maid, Nancy, is cheeky and flirtatious, her scenes with Jack adding to his callousness toward Bella and creating more layers of tension. Carmen Heath’s Elizabeth, in contrast, provides a much-needed sense of care and stability for Bella, standing in as a rare source of gentle comfort.
Catherine Radbourne’s direction creates a fast-paced rhythm, rarely lingering on dramatic pauses, which keeps the story moving forward while allowing the underlying tension to simmer. There are unsaid elements that resonate between the lines, lending a psychological weight to the dialogue. Sound and lighting effects play a vital role in the suspense of 'Gaslight'. The haunting sound of footsteps above, suggesting Jack’s nightly searches in the upstairs apartment, was executed with realism, making me feel as if someone truly was creeping around in the ceiling. The lights dim and brighten ominously, adding to Bella’s confusion and feeding into the psychological horror.
The ending is a perfect payoff as Bella delivers her own brand of justice, using Jack’s manipulation against him in an “reverse Uno card” moment that earned huge cheers from the audience. Don't miss the opportunity to see this timeless thriller at Sandgate Theatre. This suspenseful and expertly performed piece comes highly recommended for those seeking a masterclass in psychological tension.
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