Review: Teale And McElhinney Led Gaslight Features Fantastic Performances But Feels Dated

GASLIGHT, a thriller play which is the namesake for the term gaslighting (a form of psychological abuse in which false information is presented to the victim with the intent of making them doubt their sanity) opened in Toronto last week. The production stars Game of Thrones' Owen Teale and Ian McElhinney as the husband (Mr. Mannigham) and detective respectively. Flora Montgomery shines as the abused Mrs. Mannigham.

Gaslight begins with Mr. Mannigham berating his wife, accusing her of purposefully causing mischief and madness. He issues her ultimatums and causes her much distress. When he goes out for the evening, a detective comes to the house to advise her that she is not going mad - but that her husband is a murderer. Over two hours the action unfolds and we uncover motives, infidelity, and even precious jewels.

All of the performances are incredible - and one can't help but be in awe of all three leads. Montgomery is especially gripping, despite her character's passive outlook on the goings on about her. She makes the very most of every line given to her.

Teale as the manic Mr. Mannigham holds your attention from his very first line to his very last breath. McElhinney is perfectly delightful as the cheery detective and provides some comic relief while driving the action forward.

Despite stellar performances, the play itself just doesn't seem to hold up very well in 2016. I'm all for revivals of classic plays - but those exiting Gaslight probably won't be having any serious discussions about spousal abuse and the feminist movement.

Though when first produced in the late 30's in England the play did indeed shock and thrill audiences, one must keep in mind that this play was released in the same decade in which a film was banned in England for portraying hell in a humorous manner. Every plot point comes across as predictable and tired today; the play (or an adaptation of it) could heavily benefit from a few key rewrites.

Fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones will get a thrill of seeing the stars live, and the play is interesting enough to keep you engaged, but lovers of serious drama will probably be left disappointed by the text.

Gaslight is now on stage at The Ed Mirvish Theatre through February 28, 2016. For tickets go to Mirvish.com.

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