Gaslight currently playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre is a modern adaptation of the 1938 suspenseful thriller by Patrick Hamilton starring Geraldine Hakewill, Toby Schmitz and Kate Fitzpatrick and Courtney Cavallaro.
This production of Gaslight is a version of an adaptation from Canadian writer / performers Patty Jamieson and Johnna Wright that world-premiered at the internationally renowned Shaw Festival in Canada in 2022. It is directed by highly-acclaimed Australian director Lee Lewis, and produced by Rodney Rigby.
The play, set in 1901 London, is the original source of the term ‘gaslighting’. Gaslighting, a term widely used in today’s society, refers to the psychological manipulation of individuals, making them doubt their own sanity. It originated in this play where the household’s gas lights flicker and dim when Bella is alone, leading her to question her sanity.
The story revolves around the sinister manipulations of Jack Manningham (Toby Schmitz), who appears attentive and loving, but ultimately seeks to convince his wife, Bella (Geraldine Hakewill), that she is losing her mind. Jack employs a variety of tactics, including dimming the gaslights in their home, which Bella notices but cannot explain. As Bella’s anxiety mounts, she becomes increasingly isolated, with Jack controlling every aspect of her life.
The Manninghams’ housekeepers, Elizabeth (Kate Fitzpatrick) and Nancy (Courtney Cavallaro), attend to Bella and help run the household. The audience is left wondering are they in on Jack’s deception? They also add some comic relief and help move the plot. And boy, does it need it.
This version of Gaslight has omitted a character who was present in the original play – Rough the former detective who assists Bella to uncover the truth behind what’s been happening in her house. In this version, Bella is her own hero and rescues herself.
While Gaslight is often lauded as a gripping psychological thriller, this production failed to leave me on the edge of my seat.
Hakewill’s over-the-top performance as a woman supposedly losing her grip on reality and prone to bouts of hysterics at times had me rolling my eyes. I know I was meant to feel sympathy for her, and even to feel outraged on her behalf as a fellow woman but it was hard to muster that when her behaviour often felt like a bizarre overreaction. Schmitz’s performance was entirely wooden, he didn’t seem at all convincing as a charming and manipulative villain. His stage presence was often non-existent, standing with his arms limply by his sides awkwardly, reminiscent of high school theatre productions.
The second act, saw things improve and the plot move forward…but not enough.The stand out performance was the polished and professional Kate Fitzpatrick as the maid Elizabeth. The sets and costumes were also impeccable. Overall it was a relatively nice night out at the theatre, but I wouldn’t rush to see it again.
Gaslight is playing at the Comedy Theatre until 24 March. It will then tour to Canberra, Perth, Newcastle and Sydney.
Rating: 3/5 ★★★