Gaslight

In this special preview of the BBC Radio 4 series Opening Lines, John Yorke looks at Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 stage play Gaslight. To hear more episodes from the series, just search for Opening Lines on BBC Sounds.

A big hit on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue and an even bigger success on Broadway, Patrick Hamilton’s drama of the mental abuse of Bella Manningham by her husband Jack lives on, sometimes unacknowledged, as the source of the term Gaslighting - one person’s attempt to make another doubt their sanity.  Best known for his novels such as Hangover Square and The Slaves of Solitude, Hamilton drew on his own miserable childhood memories of being terrified of his own abusive father for this taut, chilling thriller. 

John Yorke has worked in television and radio for nearly 30 years, and he shares his experience with Radio 4 listeners as he unpacks the themes and impact of the books, plays and stories that are being dramatised on BBC Radio 4. From EastEnders to the Archers, Life on Mars to Shameless, he has been obsessed with telling big popular stories. He has spent years analysing not just how stories work but why they resonate with audiences around the globe and has brought together his experience in his bestselling book Into the Woods. As former Head of Channel Four Drama, Controller of BBC Drama Production and MD of Company Pictures, John has tested his theories during an extensive production career working on some of the world’s most lucrative, widely viewed and critically acclaimed TV drama. As founder of the hugely successful BBC Writers Academy John has trained a generation of screenwriters (his students have had 17 green-lights in the last two years alone).  

Contributors: Brigid Larmour, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Watford Palace Theatre Sean French, author of Patrick Hamilton: A Life and one half of the writing duo Nicci French Readings by Sam Dale Credits: Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton. Acting Edition published by Constable, 1970 Angel Street by Patrick Hamilton, Acting Edition published by Samuel French, 1942 Clip from Angel Street (1952), The NBC Presents Best Plays radio adaptation starring Vincent Price and Judith Evelyn

Produced by Caroline Raphael

Atmospheric drama from BBC Radio 4 with bonus scenes for BBC Sounds, featuring original music by Imelda May.

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

Jack Manningham has used his wife’s recently inherited money to buy a huge period property - a former bell foundry - which they will renovate. They occupy a small habitable part of the ground floor and basement. This previously neglected ramshackle building is lit by gas, as it was in Victorian times.

In this final episode, masks come off at midnight as the gaslights cast their shadows.

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

In this final bonus scene, Christopher De Jeanne has a visitor.

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Atmospheric drama from BBC Radio 4 with bonus scenes for BBC Sounds, featuring original music by Imelda May.

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

Jack Manningham has used his wife’s recently inherited money to buy a huge period property - a former bell foundry - which they will renovate. They occupy a small habitable part of the ground floor and basement. This previously neglected ramshackle building is lit by gas, as it was in Victorian times.

In episode four, the light is still playing tricks and Bella is about to meet an interesting stranger.

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

In another bonus scene, we hear a recording of an audition at Howell University.

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Atmospheric drama from BBC Radio 4 with bonus scenes for BBC Sounds, featuring original music by Imelda May.

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

Jack Manningham has used his wife’s recently inherited money to buy a huge period property - a former bell foundry - which they will renovate. They occupy a small habitable part of the ground floor and basement. This previously neglected ramshackle building is lit by gas, as it was in Victorian times.

In episode 3, the story takes another turn. We meet Detective Chief Inspector Rawe, who is about to receive some life-changing news.

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

In another bonus scene, Bella sends Jack a voice note from The Foundry. Is it home sweet home?

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Atmospheric drama from BBC Radio 4 with bonus scenes for BBC Sounds, featuring original music by Imelda May.

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

Jack Manningham has used his wife’s recently inherited money to buy a huge period property - a former bell foundry - which they will renovate. They occupy a small habitable part of the ground floor and basement. This previously neglected ramshackle building is lit by gas, as it was in Victorian times.

In episode 2, pressure mounts within the walls of The Foundry. Is Jack's film going to make its money back?

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

In this bonus scene, Jacks starts a property negotiation with a twist. The Foundry... and accessories?

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Atmospheric drama from BBC Radio 4 with bonus scenes for BBC Sounds, featuring original music by Imelda May.

Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton.

Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.

Jack Manningham has used his wife’s recently inherited money to buy a huge period property - a former bell foundry - which they will renovate. They occupy a small habitable part of the ground floor and basement. This previously neglected ramshackle building is lit by gas, as it was in Victorian times.

In episode 1, Jack and Bella find a house that suits them and there's a lot riding on the screening of their latest film.

Cast in order of appearance:

Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner

Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton

Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran

Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy

A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds