Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on October 24th, 2024 | return to news
Gaslight
Gaslight is being performed by Bournemouth Little Theatre Club at Bournemouth Little Theatre in Winton.
By Luke Graham
This thrilling retelling of a British classic is a showcase of local talent and excellent design work from the team at Bournemouth Little Theatre.
1938’s ‘Gaslight’ by Patrick Hamilton remains as relevant as ever. Despite being set in 1880s Victorian London, its depiction of a heartless husband controlling and abusing his wife feels like something from today. In fact, the modern term ‘gaslighting’ – referring to the act of manipulating someone to question their own sanity – comes from the play.
The cast all put in fine performances. Nick Robinson plays an excellent and at times genuinely scary villain, able to balance the arrogance and cruelty of Jack Manningham with enough charm to convince us why his wife Bella first fell for him and why Nancy the maid is drawn to him. The seduction scene between Jack and Nancy was so suggestive it drew gasps from the audience when I attended on the opening night.
Francesca Mansfield is clearly having plenty of fun as Nancy, as she flirts with Jack and gives withering looks and sneers to Bella.
Bob Rankin brings warmth and humanity to Detective Rough, the retired copper who comes to Bella’s aid, and adds moments of much-needed comic relief to this tense and dramatic play. Carole Allen is on fine form as Elizabeth the maid, a motherly figure to put-upon Bella, and gets a few comedic moments herself.
But the star of the show is Jordan Sky Finding as Bella Manningham. It’s a role that could easily be reduced to that of a weeping damsel in distress, but Jordan adds depth to her characterisation. Jordan is on stage for the whole of Act One, and she performs fantastically under that pressure. Her turn at the end of the play, when Bella has her revenge on Jack for his years of torment, is triumphant.
Director Caroline Burr does an excellent job at creating tension and drama, as well as bringing out the comedy within the script. There are some bold creative decisions, such as having Jack’s back to the audience at multiple points, but this adds to his menace.
The stage design is also well done. The lighting is appropriately atmospheric, adding to the drama and tension – essential in a play where the dimming and brightening of the light are a key part of the narrative. Kudos to lighting designer John Willmott, sound designer Jon Black, and Gary Hayton for writing original music that adds to the tension.
There is still a chance to see this extraordinary production of Gaslight this week to Saturday 26 October. Visit https://www.bournemouthlittletheatre.co.uk/next-production for tickets.
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
