On Thursday 26 September, the Sixth Form drama classes went to see Patrick Hamilton’s ‘Gaslight’ at the Theatre Royal Windsor, which they will review as part of their A Level drama theory exam.
It was an atmospheric production, thanks to Lucy Bailey’s thoughtful direction, William Dudley’s claustrophobic set, Chris Davey’s dim ‘gaslit’ lighting and Mic Pool’s sinister sound effects. The plot’s set up was as follows:
A lost watch, a missing brooch, a displaced picture frame… Tricks of the mind perhaps, but for Bella Manningham everything seems horribly real. As the fog-bound evening draws in and the gaslight dims again, Bella realizes she is alone with no one to protect her from the footsteps creaking in the attic. Only the unexpected arrival of former police detective Rough can help untangle fact from fiction and save a woman on the brink of insanity.
Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight was first staged in 1938, and in 1944 was adapted as a film starring legendary Academy Award winner Ingrid Bergman.
One of the UK’s best-loved actors, Martin Shaw as Detective Rough lead the star-studded cast as a world weary but perceptive detective. James Wilby as Jack Manningham gave a domineering performance as the sinister husband and Charlotte Emmerson as Bella Manningham played his haunted wife with fearful conviction. Mary Chater played the caring the Maid Elizabeth with Georgia Clarke Dayas the flirtatious and devious Maid Nancy.
All the girls found the production and performances convincing.
I found the flashback of the murder terrifying! The acting was so immersive.
Tiggy S (L6)
A fine production, for which the A Level drama girls will write excellent reviews!
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