Media call - MAJOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER GASLIGHT OPENS IN NEWCASTLE

MAJOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER GASLIGHT OPENS IN NEWCASTLE 

STARRING GERALDINE HAKEWILL AND TOBY SCHMITZ 

WITH KATE FITZPATRICK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 17TH JUNE 2024 — Gaslight, a modern adaptation of the 1940's suspenseful thriller by Patrick Hamilton and starring Geraldine Hakewill, Toby Schmitz and Kate Fitzpatrick opens Wednesday 19th June at the Civic Theatre Newcastle, following strong acclaim from both audiences and critics alike in its recent Perth season. 

The three actors will take to the Civic Theatre stage on Wednesday at 11am sharing a scene from the play followed by one-on-one interviews. 

The highly-anticipated play, set in 1901 London, remains compellingly relevant in today's society, as the original source of the term 'gaslighting'. It is directed by highly-acclaimed Australian director Lee Lewis, and produced by Rodney Rigby for Newtheatricals (7 Tony Awards nominated musical Water For Elephants on Broadway, Come From Away, Jersey Boys, Good Night, Oscar on Broadway starring Tony Award winner Sean Hayes) and Queensland Theatre. 

Bella Manningham is a young wife who seemingly has it all - a nice home and a comfortable upper-middle class life. Her housekeepers, Elizabeth and Nancy, attend to her and help run the household. Her husband, Jack, appears attentive and loving. So why is Bella on edge? As we learn more about the Manningham household, it becomes clear that something is amiss. 

Despite his doting appearance, Jack is hiding something - he keeps disappearing in the evenings …and after he leaves, Bella hears strange sounds in the house. The gas lights dim for no apparent reason. Is Bella losing her grip on reality? Or is something more sinister afoot?

A much-used word in modern society, 'gaslighting' — psychologically manipulating people into questioning their own sanity — draws its origins from the play, in which the household's gas lights flicker and dim on the evenings when Bella is alone, causing her to question her own sanity.

Producer Rodney Rigby commented on the play's debut in Newcastle

"Our production Come From Away last year established Newcastle on the national touring circuit to present first class professional theatre to the people of Newcastle and surrounding areas, next week we open the critically acclaimed thriller Gaslight for seven performances - a hugely entertaining play that will have you guessing until the end!"

City of Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said the Civic Theatre is quickly building a reputation for bringing the best international theatrical performances and musicals to Newcastle.

"The record-breaking success of shows such as Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show demonstrate the strong appetite for international-quality touring productions among Novocastrians and visitors," Cr Duncan said.

"We're thrilled to have the cast and crew of Gaslight in Newcastle and I encourage everyone to secure their tickets for what is sure to be another compelling experience at our iconic Civic Theatre."

WHAT           Media call

WHEN          Wednesday 19th June at 11 am

WHERE        Civic Theatre, Hunter Street Newcastle 

WHO             Geraldine Hakewill, Toby Schmitz, Kate Fitzpatrick and Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan will be available for interview

Rodney Rigby and Queensland Theatre 

present 

Patrick Hamilton's Gaslight

Adapted by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson

Starring Geraldine Hakewill and Toby Schmitz

With Kate Fitzpatrick

19 - 23 June

Civic Theatre, Newcastle

For further information and ticketing information, visit https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

-ENDS-

For further media information or interviews, please contact:

Lyn Thurnham on lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au or phone 0418 490 989

REVIEWS FOR THE SHOW

The West Australian gave it four stars saying that it is "edge-of-your-seat suspense, a psychological thriller to keep you guessing" and WA Today called it "a smart and hugely entertaining night of theatre with laughter and gasps and a wonderfully talented cast. It's a gas!"

Broadway World also said it is "rich with tension and drama. Suspense and intrigue are carefully built, managed and dismantled by a talented cast" and "it's impossible not to be pulled deep into the timeless story," while Cream Magazine said "Gaslight has pretty much everything: drama noir pretty mis-en-scene and dark undertones.  Very much ahead of its time."

Perth's Post Newspapers also described the much-loved production as "a production to restore one's faith in theatre: a smart, subtle and menacing Victorian Gothic, on a beautifully designed set with great costumes, well directed with pitch-perfect performances."

"Gothic horror is too rare of a sight in Melbourne theatre and it's ultimately just too well-executed here to be missed." Time Out Melbourne

"Sumptuous and imposing. The performances are riveting, delivered in a lavish context, keeping the audience gripped from beginning to end." Stage Whispers 

"Talented Hakewill's turn is thrilling to watch." The Guardian

"One of the most talked-about performances of 2024." Melbournise Me

"A mouth-watering psychological thriller." The Blurb