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London Review
London ReviewGaslight
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If we are to be enemies, you and I, you shall find it is I who shall get the better of it.
---- Jack |
Rosamund Pike as Bella Manningham
(Photo: Manuel Harlan) |
Rosamund Pike takes on the role of the young, nervous wife Bella Manningham who is dominated and bullied by her husband Jack (Andrew Woodall). Jack Manningham intimidates and humiliates Bella in front of the maid Nancy (Sally Tatum). Detective Rough (Kenneth Cranham) is investigating the murder of the woman known as The Cabman’s Friend, Alice Barlow, which took place many years before. Alice Barlow was murdered for her rubies which have never been found. Jack disappears at the same time every night and the flickering gaslight signifies his departure and his return.
Rosamund Pike quivers and is delicately neurotic as the very pretty Bella. She is dressed in a vision of a crinoline dress with grey blue silk gathered around a bustle and although she is the wronged wife you can see why her timidity might irritate her husband. Andrew Woodall flings out his tail coat whenever he sits down in an aggressive and assertive manner. His behaviour to the pale Bella is very unpleasant as he undermines her in front of the servants and reproaches her for losing things. It is only when the kindly and resourceful Detective Rough comes on the scene, that Bella learns some self confidence. Kenneth Cranham is an excellent character actor and he imbues Rough with a charming determination to get to the bottom of an old mystery.
There are no surprises in Gaslight, we can see the ending coming miles away, but the very fine performances, subtle direction and beautiful setting make this an enjoyable evening. For a review of the Off-Broadway production coming close to completing its run at the Irish Rep Theater, go here.
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GASLIGHT
Written by Patrick Hamilton Directed by Peter Gill Starring: Rosamund Pike, Kenneth Cranham With: Andrew Woodall, Rowena Cooper, Sally Tatum, Matthew Field, Edward Newborn Design: Hayden Griffin Lighting: Hartley T A Kemp Sound: David McSeveney Music: David Shrubsole Running time: Two hours 10 minutes with one interval Box Office: 0870 060 6628 Booking to 18th August 2007 Reviewed by Lizzie Loveridge based on 26th April 2007 performance at the Donmar Warehouse, Earlham Street, London WC2 (Tube: Covent Garden) |
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