Being Gaslit: A Fascinating Mystery
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
Gaslighting is a term that seems to show up in current vocabulary more and more often. It is used when someone is being bullied or tricked into believing there’s something wrong with them. The successful bully convinces them they are losing their faculties. This very nasty practise comes from the play Gaslight. Originally written in the 1930s and set in early 1900s England, the play also has a mystery.
The version of Gaslight now on stage at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, has been updated, offering stronger women in the cast and eliminating the police detective who was in the original. It also seems to move along faster than the old version.
Young newlyweds are living in an old house in 1880’s England. She seems to be losing her mind – art on the wall is missing and she can’t explain why she took it down, her mother’s pearls disappear, and she hears inexplicable noises in the night. He seems kind, gentle and caring, at the same time dismissing all her problems, but still reminding her that her mother ended up in an insane asylum. Bella is beside herself, so worried about missing jewellery. Once the story progresses, we find that Bella and the long-time housekeeper, Elizabeth, are able to handle the situation. Even the new servant, Nancy, is tough, and has the nerve to flirt with the master of the house. But that is all I can tell you for fear of spoiling the plot.
Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster gives us a Bella who is depressed and maybe suicidal, yet somehow musters the strength to carry on. Her acting is excellent: the audience wonders if she is actually a victim of gaslighting or could she have mental health concerns. Lancaster is multi-talented, having directed last year’s production of Steel Magnolias at the Capitol.
The always-brilliant Glynis Ranney is a sensible Elizabeth, the housekeeper who steadies herself and finds her way. Ranney is well-known for roles at Stratford Festival and Drayton Entertainment, handling comedy or drama equally well.
Mallory James’ Nancy, the new servant, has just the right amount of cheekiness as she steps out of line showing her desire for the master’s attention.
Darren Martens is perfect as the haughty, condescending Jack, who is just nice enough to keep us guessing as to his motives. Both James and Martens have impressive credits in Winnipeg and western Canadian theatres.
This show was produced in conjunction with Prairie Theatre Exchange in Winnipeg, which explains the two actors experience. The set and costumes are spectacular, taking us back to Victorian England. Excellent lighting changes day to night, and of course, we see the lighting of the gaslights with glimpses of them growing dim. The sound was well done too, with some background music to add to the mystery. We could hear each actor clearly. Credit goes to director Marie Farsi for pulling together all the elements of this play.
If you’ve never seen Gaslight, then you must, if only to know how the term “gaslighting” came to be. And if you enjoy a good mystery, that may or may not involve a murder, then you really must see Gaslight. It’s an excellent production, well cast and well acted, a compelling drama adding to the variety offered at The Capitol.
This is the fourth time I’ve seen Gaslight, (one time under its earlier name Angel Street) and it reminds me of Stephen Sondheim’s great song lyrics, from the musical Follies:
You said you loved me
Or were you just being kind?
Or am I losing my mind?
Gaslight continues at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope until September 6. Tickets are available at the box office by calling 905-885-1071 or visiting https://capitoltheatre.com/
Photo: Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster as Bella Manningham and Darren Martens as Jack Manningham. Photo by Sam Moffatt.
Gaslight
By Johanna Wright and Patty Jamieson
Based on Patrick Hamilton’s play
Directed by Marie Farsi
Performed by Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster, Darren Martens, Mallory James, Glynis Ranney.
The Capitol Theatre, Port Hope
August 21 to September 6, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson