Review Gaslight at Regal Theatre
Gaslight at Regal Theatre
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Gaslight is more than a psychological thriller—it’s a triumph of storytelling and stagecraft. Set solely in the parlour of a Victorian-era manor, the audience is immediately drawn into the enigmatic world of the Manninghams, newlyweds struggling with wife Bella Manningham’s mental health issues.
Firstly, we must address the masterful performance of the cast. Geraldine Hakewell’s portrayal of the disturbed Mrs. Manningham is magnificent. In a role that could so easily be overblown, Hakewell balances the role perfectly, demonstrating Bella’s nervous breakdown and steely resolve. Toby Schmitz’s Mr. Manningham is slightly off-putting, with a subtle performance that makes the audience uneasy without really knowing why. The attention to detail of both actors is impressive; from the way Schmitz uses subtle gestures to display his callosity to the stammers and flinches of Hakewell, neither feels contrived or unnatural.
Director Lee Lewis expertly paces the narrative, building suspense with precision timing both in the dialogue and between scenes. When the maid enters to ignite the parlour gaslights, the Manninghams pause mid-argument, and tension builds as we slowly watch the maid step from light to light, stretching the tension to the edge of discomfort. Later, as the Manningham’s depart the stage for a night out, the parlour lights remain on and the audience watches an empty stage, knowing something terrible must be happening, and we are just waiting for the hammer to fall.
Act one primarily focuses on Mrs. Manningham’s delusions and questions our own ability to determine reality. How do you know if what you are experiencing is real? Should you trust your own mind over those around you? As the plot unravels and intentions are revealed in Act two, the tension keeps the audience riveted until the very end. While a run time of two and a half hours may be intimidating, the minutes fly by, and you will be wishing it went on for longer.
Ultimately, Gaslight is a testament to the enduring power of quality theatre to thrill, chill, and captivate. With its gripping plot, stellar performances, and atmospheric staging, this production is a must-see for anyone who craves a thrilling night at the theatre. So dim the lights, stoke the flames, and question sanity with Gaslight.
MELISSA MANN