“Gaslight” Travels to Listowel

Sligo Drama Circle is delighted to announce that it has been invited to perform our most recent production of Patrick Hamilton’s “Gaslight” at the prestigious Listowel Writers’ Week this June Bank Holiday weekend.

We are honoured to bring this production to the St. John’s Theatre in The Square, Listowel on Thursday June 2nd at 8pm for one night only.

Having performed this play on three separate occasions in 2019, 2020 and 2022 to great acclaim, we now bring this classic Victorian thriller to a new audience in Listowel, Co. Kerry. Having played to packed houses and standing ovations in previous performances in Sligo, it is guaranteed to yet again have a Kerry audience 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.

This performance of “GASLIGHT” takes place in St. John’s Theatre, Listowel for one performance only on: Thursday June 2nd at 8pm. Tickets at €15 can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/theatre-317429

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