Bella Manningham thinks she’s losing her mind. In the evenings, she hears strange noises and the sitting-room gas lamps dim for no apparent reason. Her husband Jack is becoming exasperated by her anxiety. But is he the man he claims to be? Set in London in 1901, Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play introduced us to the term “gaslighting”, now used to describe an insidious form of manipulation. This 2022 adaptation by Canadian writers Patty Jamieson and Johnna Wright is a gripping reimagination of the famous thriller. Queensland Theatre Artistic Director Lee Lewis helms a production starring Geraldine Hakewill and Toby Schmitz.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Young, trusting and fragile — Bella Manningham thinks she’s losing her mind. In the evenings, she hears strange noises. The sitting room gas lamps dim for no apparent reason. Is Bella’s loving relationship with her urbane partner Jack all that it seems?

Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play introduced us to the powerful term we now use to describe an insidious form of deception and manipulation.

This liberating adaptation by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson, which world premiered at the 2022 Shaw Festival, is a gripping, reimagined thriller of daring and doubt. Will the ‘gaslighting’ have its intended dire effect, or will our heroine find the strength to save herself?

With all the hallmarks of Victorian Gothic, refreshed with intriguing new insights, Gaslight is a thrilling theatrical experience.