Kiltoom Drama Group to stage suspense play
Kiltoom Drama Group promises a great weekend of drama in the Parish Hall Kiltoom next month as the Victorian period drama 'Gaslight' takes to the stage, with a cast of seven.
The play will open in Kiltoom Parish Hall on Thursday, December 7 and runs up to and including Sunday, December 10. Curtain up is at 8pm.
Director Ollie Hegarty guarantees this emotionally charged psychological thriller will resonate just as powerfully with Kiltoom audiences today as it did when first staged in London’s West End in 1938, just a year before the beginning of World War II.
The play is a riveting tale of the central character, Bella, who evidently misplaces items of jewellery, gifted by her generous husband Jack, along with important letters and correspondence. She increasingly questions her judgement, confidence and self-esteem, believing she is rapidly inheriting her mother’s insanity. Could these experiences be a figment of Bella’s unreliable memory, distorted sense of reality or perhaps her delusional mind? Who can Bella trust and turn to? Will she prevail by finding the help she desperately needs in time?
The term ‘gaslighting, which has become embedded in modern English vocabulary, is derived from this classic play. It is loosely defined as psychological manipulation intended to distort a partner’s reality by making them question their judgement, memory and ultimately their sanity. As recent as 2019, Ireland introduced new gaslighting legislation, making it a criminal offence to subject a partner or spouse to this kind of coercive control or abuse. Kiltoom Drama chose this play because it not only provides gripping entertainment, but also creates a delicate balance of humour, suspense, and surprise to facilitate the portrayal of this very topical subject matter.
The director has assembled a small but talented cast. Elaine Walsh, who plays the lead role of Bella, does an outstanding job portraying this central character’s emotional rollercoaster ride. Brian Toolan returns to Kiltoom stage playing the role of Bella’s charming, self-confident, manipulative, husband, Jack. Michael McGlone makes his debut appearance for Kiltoom Drama, as ex-detective Rough. This sleuth has been trying for a number of years to track down a clever and sinister criminal, who he suspects may have returned to this area of London.
Caroline Harney also makes her debut for Kiltoom Drama as the Manningham’s housekeeper.
Undoubtedly, this cameo role will be one of many future roles for Caroline during the coming years. The versatile and talented Rebecca Collins returns after lighting up the stage with her wonderful portrayal of Rosita Hernandez in the group’s most recent production of the comedy ‘Brush with a Body.’
Behind the scenes of course is a cast of thousands, marshalled by May Cunningham and Debbie Kilbride. The legendary Tom Shine performs his usual magic on set-design, set-build, lighting and almost everything else. Anne O’Sullivan provides guidance on period costume-design and make-up and Marie Donnellan takes care of props and dressing of the set.
They are assisted by a wonderful unseen ensemble, which will ensure you enjoy a truly entertaining night of theatre. Sit back, relax and enjoy the drama.