“Gaslight” Returns to Stage

Sligo Drama Circle returns to the stage of the Hawk’s Well Theatre for their first post-Covid production this March for four performances only of “GASLIGHT” by Patrick Hamilton. This tense, Victorian psychological thriller played to packed houses and standing ovations in previous performances. It is guaranteed to yet again have audiences on the edge of their seats from the opening sequence to the final curtain.

The action of the play takes place in the living room of the Manningham household in late 19th century London. Poor Bella is not well and she knows it. After all, her mother went mad and died in a lunatic asylum when she was Bella’s age. Her “loving” husband, Jack is doing his best to care for her, which can be pretty demanding at times. However, all is not as it seems in the Manningham household. When former Police Detective Rough arrives, investigating a 20 year old unsolved murder, things begin to get more sinister.

It’s because of this play and subsequent Oscar-winning 1944 movie featuring Ingrid Bergman that the term “Gaslighting”, has established itself in the Oxford English Dictionary, bearing the definition: “Gaslighting: To manipulate (someone) by psychological means into doubting their own sanity”.

Given that the term “Gaslighting” has recently been highlighted on television shows and on social media channels, this production of “GASLIGHT” is very pertinent to the times we live in.

Director Gerry Ryan has again assembled an experienced cast for the play – Orla Mc Sharry plays the part of Bella; Barry Deignan plays the part of her husband Jack; Gerry Farrell plays the part of ex-Detective Rough; Maggie Curley and Niamh Leahy play the parts of the maids Elizabeth and Nancy.

Performances of “GASLIGHT” take place in Hawk’s Well Theatre for four performances: Wednesday 9th – Saturday 12th March at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased through the Hawk’s Well Box Office on (071) 916 1518 or online at https://www.hawkswell.com/events/event/gaslight

An entertaining and nail-biting evening of drama is guaranteed.