Gaslight at the Roxy

By Penny Pitcher

Blue Bridge Theatre’s Gaslight (playing at the Roxy Theatre through November 2) is a Victorian thriller, an atmospheric play written by Patrick Hamilton in 1938.  Despite my having seen two movie remakes, I thoroughly enjoyed this play and was not bored for a moment.  The play follows a linear path – no twists and turns or double-crosses – and yet, is entertaining from start to finish. 

Directed by Janet Wright, and starring Thea Gill and Adrian Hough as Mr. and Mrs. Manningham, and Victoria’s funny man, Wes Borg, as Inspector Rough, the play was first called Gas Light.  A few years later, the British film version, Gaslight, was made.  When the play opened on Broadway, the title was changed to Angel Street, but the Hollywood remake (Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman) reverted to Gaslight.

The original title stems from the dimming of the gas lights throughout the house which occurs whenever Manningham, secretly searching for jewels in the attic, turns on the gas lights.  Bella observes this dimming, but when she mentions it to her husband, he insists that she is imagining it.  Hence, the term “gaslighting” – to systematically manipulate someone’s sense of reality. 

The Manninghams live on Angel Street in 19th Century London. As the curtain rises on their drawing room, all appears the epitome of Victorian tranquility. However, it soon becomes evident that Jack Manningham, a suave handsome man, is trying to convince his wife, and others, that she is insane.  He changes things in their home, hides things away, and then insists that she is either mistaken or remembering things incorrectly. One evening, while he is out, Mrs. Manningham has an unexpected caller – the wise-cracking Inspector Rough from Scotland Yard. Rough is convinced that Manningham is wanted for a murder committed fifteen years earlier in this very house. Rough’s appearance moderates the gloomy tension, even as he convinces Bella that she is not mad. 

Vancouver actor, Adrian Hough, plays the scheming manipulative Jack Manningham, to perfection.  Sly and suave, so sure of himself - even at the end he is confident that he can manipulate Bella to do his bidding.  Thea Gill, as Bella Manningham, is equally believable.  Nervous and fearing a descent into madness, we see her finally draw upon her innate strength under the guidance of Inspector Rough, exuberantly played by Wes Borg.  Many of Rough’s humorous one-liners were lost, however, because they were delivered with his back to the audience in a very thick accent. The character of the flirty and impudent serving girl, Nancy, was beautifully portrayed by Grace Vukovic in her first play with Blue Bridge, and Iris MacGregor Bannerman was convincing as Elizabeth, the calm and motherly servant loyal to Bella. 

The set design by Bryan Kenney included all the trappings of a Victorian home – wallpaper, furniture, glassware and, of course, the mandatory gas lights.  Graham McMonagle’s costume designs clearly defined the levels of society to which the characters belonged.  The lighting, almost a character in itself, was conceived by Rebekah Johnson, sound design, Paul Tedeschini.

If I have one small quibble, it is with the sound.  When the characters were on stage right, every word could be heard, but on stage left, it was obvious that there was no microphone – or, at least, it wasn’t working on the night I attended.  A mic would certainly help to pick up all of Inspector Rough’s jokes.

Gaslight can be viewed as a fairy tale – villain, maiden in distress, knight in shining armour - or as a timeless domestic drama – mentally abusive husband.  But, however you choose to view it, be sure that you do!  Gaslight presented by Blue Bridge at the Roxy through November 2.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets for Gaslight for the purpose of writing a review.