| Title | Gaslight |
| Written by | Patrick Hamilton |
| Director | Mona Vadher |
| Reading |
Monday 29 January 2024 at 7.30pm |
| Auditions |
Friday 2 February 2024 at 7.30pm Monday 5 February 2024 at 7.30pm If you are interested in taking part in this production but can not make the audition dates, please let the director know - mona_vadher@hotmail.co.uk. |
| Venue | The reading and auditions will take place at Incognito Theatre. |
| Rehearsals | Rehearsals will begin on stage from Sunday 24th March 2024, on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings.
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| Production | 19 - 25 May 2024. Sunday performance starts at 6:00pm, all weekday performances start at 7.30pm, Saturday performances start at 3:00pm and 7:30pm. |
| Script Edition |
Concord Theatricals (red font) Scripts will be made available to everyone at all readings and auditions and will be provided to those who are cast. You will not be expected to buy your own script. |
| Synopsis | This classic Victorian thriller was first produced in 1935. Jack Manningham is slowly, deliberately driving his wife, Bella, insane. He has almost succeeded when help arrives in the form of a former detective, Rough, who believes Manningham to be a thief and murderer. Aided by Bella, Rough proves Manningham's true identity and finally Bella achieves a few moments of sweet revenge for the suffering inflicted on her. |
Note, the gender of Inspector Rough can played by either male or female for the purposes of this production. The ages given are the playing ages.
| Character | Age | Description |
| Mrs Manningham (Bella) | Female lead 35-40 |
In the script, she is described as someone who ‘who had been good-looking, almost a beauty – but now has a haggard, wan, frightened air.’ At first, she seems like a flustered, confused sort of person. |
| Mr Manningham (Jack) | Male lead Mid-late 40s |
Condescending and manipulative villain, often insulting his wife in sly ways and undermining her in every opportunity. Tall, good-looking, and charming. |
| Inspector Rough | Male or female lead 55-65 |
A retired police detective with an apparently illustrious career. Rough’s actions appear to help save Bella from her ‘madness,’ making them the heroic figure in some ways. An assertive and likable character in the piece. |
| Nancy | Female supporting 19-25 |
The Manningham’s maid. Self-conscious, cheeky and pretty. |
| Elizabeth | Female supporting 40-55 |
The Manningham’s cook and housekeeper. She is one of the few residents in the house that appears to care for Bella’s wellbeing. Sensible, practical and can offer moments of comic relief. |
| Characters | Script Reference |
| Mrs Manningham (Bella) | Act 1, pp top of 17 – 19 with Mr Manningham. From “Go on, What do you wish to say?” to “… What new trick is this you’re playing with me?” Act 3, pp 81 – 82 with Mr Manningham. From “Jack! Jack! What have they done to you?....” to “…Come and take this man away!” |
| Mr Manningham (Jack) | Act 1, pp top of 17 – 19 with Mrs Manningham. From “Go on, What do you wish to say?” to “… What new trick is this you’re playing with me?” Act 3, pp 81 – 82 with Mrs Manningham. From “Jack! Jack! What have they done to you?....” to “…Come and take this man away!” |
| Inspector Rough | Act 1, pp middle of 33-36 with Mrs Manningham. From “What were your theories?” to “….Now drink this quickly, as we have a great deal to do.” |
| Nancy | Act 3, pp middle of 61 – 63 with Mrs Manningham. From “Yes, sir. Did you sing, sir?” to “… Is there anything more you want, sir?” |
| Elizabeth | Act 1, pp middle of 21 - 22 between Elizabeth and Mrs Manningham. From “Madam….madam” until “Will you come up, please, sir?” |