Gaslight at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review
Gaslight
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
16-21 January 2017
Reviewed by Louise Styles
Last night’s audience at Aylesbury’s ATG Waterside Theatre were taken on a twisting journey of suspense and tension. ‘Gaslight’ opened to a packed house and will continue to draw theatregoers until Saturday 21st January.
Set in the London sitting room of a married couple during 1871 this psychological thriller was, for me, a resounding success. Kara Tointon stars as Bella Manningham, wife of Jack Manningham, played by Rupert Young. Kara is widely known for roles in Eastenders, Mr Selfridge and Lewis but was every bit the thespian as she portrayed the mentally abused and tortured Bella. The story pulls you in quickly with poor Bella being accused of losing her mind by her ‘loving’ husband. He is quick to point out missing items that keep disappearing from their home and his assurance that she is the person accountable for them. Rupert Young, known for TV roles such as Foyles War, Shameless and Doc Martin as well as theatre credits such as Twelfth Night, Cymbeline and High Society to name a few, brings to life a husband who is using manipulation to domestically abuse his young wife all while concealing his true nature and nefarious doings.
When Bella is reaching new solitary depths of despair she receives a visit from ‘Inspector’ Rough, played by Keith Allen. I was excited to see what Keith would bring to this production as he is such a well-known actor with film credits including Trainspotting, The Others and Shallow Grave as well as numerous TV and theatre credits. His light-hearted quips and timing were a welcome necessity against the heavy intent of the main story. Being a veritable knight in shining armour he comes to Bella’s aid not only with her reintroduction to Scottish Whiskey but in a psychological struggle against her husband she didn’t realise she was participating in. One could possibly struggle with the naivety of Bella in letting a stranger into her home without knowing him – but then in 1871 and if you were under the impression you were not of a sound mind perhaps this would not seem so amiss as it would do in today’s society.
Kara was on stage for almost the entire performance and she didn’t falter, she gave a convincing and credible portrayal of a woman groomed, from perhaps the first time she met her future husband, into the position where he could assert power over her. There were no set changes with this production, the action managed to contain itself realistically to this one functional room. The Gaslights themselves featured as an important part of the unravelling of the misdeeds and crimes. I really enjoyed this performance and the twists its took along the way, including the odd ‘jumping’ moments with dimmed lights and ghostly figures.
The theatre was abuzz with people both prior to the show and during the interval. It was clean and had plenty of space to sit and enjoy refreshments. Queues were long naturally as it was a full house but the staff worked methodically along the line so it moved quickly. Being in the centre of Aylesbury the theatre is surrounded by both car parks and restaurants which makes it an ideal location for a night out. I would highly recommend this show, it’s certainly different from anything I’ve seen recently and it was a very welcome change.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £17.75 to £49.25 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Gaslight is at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury until 21 January 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.
Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UG | 0844 871 7607
