Gaslight at the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield Review
Gaslight
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
20-25 February 2017
Reviewed by Trish Bramhall
On this cold Monday evening I went along with my husband to see the thriller Gaslight at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield. Not really sure what to expect from this play, we took our seat’s in the stalls, ready for the play to begin.
The stage is set as a Victorian sitting room. You first meet Bella Manningham, played by the beautiful Kara Tointon. She is so happy that her husband Jack Manningham, played by Rupert Young, promises to take her out to the theatre, but then her so called ‘loving’ husband is mentally abusing Bella making her think she is going mad! (Just like her mother did). He has her believing she is constantly losing things from around the house and personal belongings, when really it is him hiding them.
Jack also openly flirts with the maid Nancy, embarrassing Bella and they argue about this.
The story continues with Jack often leaving Bella in the evenings and each time that he does she becomes scared and believes that there is someone upstairs in the house, a part of the house that neither she, the maid or the housekeeper have ever been allowed to go to.
One evening when Jack as left the house, the housekeeper Elizabeth informs Bella she as a visitor. Bella doesn’t have visitors and says the visitor must be for her husband. But eventually Elizabeth gets Bella to see the ‘visitor’ known as Rough, played by Keith Allen. After talking to Bella, Rough explains he believes he knows Jack from some 20 years ago, when a young woman is murdered… In fact, in the very house they live in! Bella doesn’t want to believe what Rough is telling her and is shocked but finally realizes he’s telling the truth…
Rough has to find evidence that Jack was involved in the murder of the young women all them years ago, and when he does Jack is finally arrested.
With only a small cast of fantastic actors/actresses this was a great period drama set in a cosy but eerie atmosphere. A great script mixed with a little comedy. If you enjoy plays I recommend you go and see this…
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £19.50 to £32 (booking fees may apply).
Gaslight is at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield until 25 February 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.
Lyceum Theatre, Norfolk St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 1DA | 0114 249 6000
