Gaslight, a thrilling theatrical experience, is coming to Sydney this August!

"Spooky, romantic, scary and fun." Hear from the leading lady of the must-see, spine-tingling production.

GASLIGHT 2024 SYDNEY DATES

Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay: Wednesday 21 August – Sunday 01 September 2024

“Dramatic, satisfying, masterfully directed like a game of chess”
InReview

You have probably heard the term ‘gaslight’ used to describe an insidious form of deception and manipulation. Perhaps you didn’t know, the term was first introduced by a play created in 1938. The eeriness of what you are about to see unfold on stage, is only elevated by it’s persisting relevance in today’s society.

In this gripping adaption by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson, the same question remains, will the “gaslighting” have its intended dire effect, or will our heroine find the strength to save herself?

With all the hallmarks of Victorian Gothic, refreshed with intriguing new insights, GASLIGHT is a thrilling theatrical experience.

★★★★★

“Gaslight thrills audiences. A must-see theatrical experience that you don’t want to miss”
BroadwayWorld

GASLIGHT THE PLAY | THE STORY OF GASLIGHT

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GASLIGHT follows Bella Manningham, who is young, trusting, and fragile and possibly losing her mind. In the evenings, she hears strange noises. The sitting-room gas lamps dim for no apparent reason. Is Bella’s loving relationship with her partner Jack all that it seems?

Such a dynamic character requires the best talent in the business. Enter Geraldine Hakewill! Alongside a stellar cast including Toby Schmitz, Courtney Cavallaro and Kate Fitzpatrick, Geraldine Hakewill will play the role of Bella Manningham. We had the pleasure of asking Hackwell a few questions about what audiences can expect from GASLIGHT. Take a look!

What inspired you to be part of this production of Gaslight?
I’ve always enjoyed the 1944 film adaptation with Ingird Bergman, and I’ve also always wanted to work with director Lee Lewis. I think she is so clever and such a wonderful director of actors. After reading the script I was genuinely surprised at the twists and turns this new adaptation takes. It felt fresh and modern whilst still retaining the period setting, which I love. I thought there was a lot we could uncover with the right cast, and luckily Lee cast it perfectly!

What were you doing when you found out you got the part and how did you feel?
Lee and I had a phone conversation about the project while I was in WA for Cinéfest Oz with a film I had produced, so it was a confluence of lovely things. As soon as she started talking about her vision for the play, I knew that I wanted to be involved and to work with her, so it was an easy and ecstatic ‘Yes’. I felt excited and curious about how to approach the character.

It’s not often that a psychological thriller comes to the stage. What is it like to be involved in a production that is more emotionally heavy than what a lot of audiences may be used to seeing on stage?
I think what is actually surprising about this play is that it is more energising and enjoyable a night at the theatre than people may expect, given the subject matter and the genre. There is something very cathartic about how the story plays out, especially with this new adaptation, and I think it really leans into the thrilling part of being a thriller. I enjoy doing it immensely. It’s a very special relationship that I cultivate with the audience over the course of the night. There is nothing frivolous about what we are exploring, but I never feel heavy at the end of it, and the audience usually feels light enough to give the show a standing ovation, which is always a beautiful way to finish a run.

How can audiences expect to feel after seeing Gaslight?
Surprised, shocked, moved, satisfied, curious and maybe a little sore from sitting on the edge of their seats all night.

What has been the most challenging part of stepping into your character?
Learning how to move about the stage in kilometres of petticoats.

What do you have in common with the character you play?
We both love tea, and muffins, and our husbands. And we don’t much like being in creaky old houses alone at night.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Toby Schmitz and I practice some movements that we do during the show, and then I lie around on the carpets and hum and make strange noises doing a vocal warm up. We often listen to trashy pop while we’re getting ready and I have at least two cups of tea. The four of us usually all have a huddle/cuddle backstage and talk about who is in the audience that we might do the play for that night. Then I always triple check the props with our assistant stage manager, Rachel, before the curtain comes up – if there were certain props missing it would make for a VERY different show, let’s put it that way.

Without giving anything away, do you have a favourite line that your character says during the play?
It’s not so much a line, as a moment when I’m chewing some muffin.

Tickets are already flying, but tell us, why do you think people should come see Gaslight?
You should come and see it because it’s spooky and romantic and scary and fun, and it’s exceptionally made theatre, across all departments.