Theatre Review - GASLIGHT - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Bella (Catherine Ellis)
photo credit Tim Swinton

The play that gave its name to the term ‘gaslighting’ was never going to be easy watching. Husband Jack Manningham is lamenting his failed efforts to help as his wife slowly descends into madness; but is he really such a good husband – and just why is Bella, his wife, so on edge? As Inspector Rough enters the scene, one must question if Bella really is losing her mind, or if someone is driving her from it. A disturbing tale that will have you questioning each move, it’s a play as pertinent today as it when it was first written in 1938.

 

Jack (Sam Hinton) Bella (Catherine Ellis)
photo cedit Tim Swinton

Director Gordon Russell should be complimented many times over on bringing forth a show which would not seem out of place in the West-End. The atmosphere in the theatre was (ironically) electric! From the perfectly-tailored Victorian costumes (by Sarah Pearson) that fit both the actors and characters well, to the lighting (designed by Tim Swinton), keeping those all important lamps at the correct levels for a sinister feel, to the sound (designed by Tim Swinton), sending chills down the spine with subtle but eerie music and whispers, bringing home Bella’s feeling of unease. The set (designed by Tim Swinton) is green; normally a calming colour, here it creates a sinister, oppressive, atmosphere - reflecting Bella’s feelings in a place that should feel calm and safe. I would advise you to get seats in the centre block, if possible, as otherwise, due to the way the sofa is positioned, there were occasionally times you saw more of the characters’ backs than the action at hand.

Rough (Stuart Douglas) photo credit Tim Swinton

As we took our seats it was announced the two of the cast, Valerie Russell and Mark Buckley, would not be able to perform. Although it is sad to miss the actors who, I’m sure, put a lot of work into what is a fantastic show, it is a testament to the high standards at the Peoples Theatre that, had no one told me of the change, I would never have known. Maggie Childs stepped in as caring, and occasionally funny, maid Elizabeth. Sam Hinton played Mr Jack Manningham, slipping quickly from happy caring husband to tyrant on the turn of a heel. Stuart Douglass played Inspector Rough, bringing moments of much needed humour to punctuate the tension. His characterisation was flawless and perfectly understated. As for Catherine Ellis, who played the haunted Mrs Bella Manningham, I can only applaud her skill in executing such a difficult role - at times so anxious and fraught she becomes nearly manic with laughter; award-winning professional actors could do no more.

Please see this show - it is an intensely good piece of theatre that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Gaslight is running at the People Theatre 28^th March- 2^nd April.

Theatre Review - CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

BILL Kenwright has brought one of the most engrossing thrillers I’ve seen to Darlington Hippodrome. The twists and turns during Catch Me If You Can kept me completely captivated throughout. With so many red herrings, it kept my brain working hard trying to decide what the conclusion would be.

Set in the mid-60s in the living room of the remote Catskill Mountains, designed by Julie Godfrey. The newly wed Daniel and Elizabeth, should be enjoying their honeymoon. Instead, Daniel Corban, Patrick Duffy, is waiting for the return of his wife Elizabeth, who he has reported her as missing. Inspector Lavine, Gray O’Brien, is investigating the disappearance. Father Kelleher, Ben Nealon, turns up with Elizabeth, Linda Purl, which starts many extraordinary events as Daniel believes Elizabeth is an imposter and not his recently married wife, but the evidence shows otherwise. Who is telling the truth? With the arrivals of Sidney, Hugh Futcher, Everett Parker, Paul Lavers and Mrs Parker, Chloe Zeitounian, the surprises and shocks for Daniel keep coming.

The pace is steady up until the final conclusion. Patrick Duffy, well known for his iconic role as Bobby Ewing in Dallas, shows what a talent he is. He quietly commands the stage showing a range of emotions. Gary O’Brien is always there when he is needed, but doesn’t appear to give support to Daniel. Linda Purl brilliantly makes you change your mind about who she actually is. Ben Nealon is probably my favourite character, in a style of Father Ted – a priest with attitude.

The standing ovation was well deserved. This is a thriller you must see.

Runs until Saturday 19th March.

Theatre Preview - A NORTHERN ODYSSEY - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Fisher Girls photo Paula Smart

“Every man must have his mystery”

 

Some of the masterpieces that secured Winslow Homer's reputation as the greatest American figurative artist of the nineteenth century were painted in Cullercoats. But what on earth was he doing there?

Tynemouth-born Shelagh Stephenson's A NOTHERN ODYSSEY magnificently imagines how this quiet genius settled in a remote enclave of the North East in 1881 and stayed for the best part of two years, gaining inspiration from the fishing folk and their way of life.

The arrival of such an exotic creature from Massachusetts creates an inevitable, often funny, clash of cultures. The local fisher girls wonder what Homer is – French, perhaps? – while he struggles with their accents.  

He meets injured fisherman Joe to whom Homer represents an escape to a life of endless possibilities, and finds himself drawn into the family of a local lawyer and his wife, a would-be poet who craves culture and sophistication.

Apart from the paintings themselves, Homer left no record of his stay, leaving Stephenson (whose credits include ‘Downton Abbey’ and new BritBox drama ‘Murder in Provence’) a blank canvas for the play, which was originally commissioned by Live Theatre.

In imagining his time in the region, Stephenson creates a living, breathing portrait of the artist and weaves a tale of seduction, not only of individual hearts, but of a whole community.

Adam Thompson who plays Joe adds: “This gem is a love letter to the North East coast. The play’s sense of place is rooted in its depiction of the working class. It’s a story of unrequited love and is a seminal piece of LGBTQ+ theatre in its unassuming, quiet way.”

A NORTHERN ODYSSEY is playing at the People’s Theatre from Tuesday 8^th to Saturday 12^th March, including a socially-distanced performance on Tuesday 8^th. Find out more and book your tickets at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk