Berkshire on Stage

The venerable Dorset Theatre Festival has opened its new season with a spectacular old-fashioned thriller titled DECEIVED. This evening of theatre is pure entertainment, proving that the old classics became classic for good reason. DECEIVED is a recent adaptation by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson of the 1938 stage play GAS LIGHT by Patrick Hamilton. Hamilton’s eerie drama of a woman being tormented by her husband who is intentionally convincing her she is deranged is the source for our modern term “gaslighting” meaning to use psychological manipulation to make a victim question their sanity. 

More than likely, you know this play. The original GAS LIGHT (or GASLIGHT) was renamed ANGEL STREET in America. Perhaps GASLIGHT is best remembered as a Hitchcock film. (Hamilton also wrote a play called ROPE that Hitchcock filmed.) GASLIGHT holds a special place in theatre history because it was the first play to use the technology of gas lighting as a plot device. The gaslights in the drawing room dim at times, meaning that there is someone turning on lights in another part of the house—but no one is home (or are they?) The original melodrama has lasted so long because Hamilton provided very genuine insights into an abusive relationship. This adaptation has addressed some of the issues of the old script, allowing the abused wife to receive support and courage from a female character rather than a male police detective. 

This production of DECEIVED is so polished and well executed that it is hard to know where to start. When we enter the theatre, we are treated to a fabulous Victorian setting designed by Riw Rakkulchon. The adaptors have set this version in London at the very end of the Victorian era, in 1901 rather than 1880. The dark green wallpaper and the amazing Victorian paintings and furniture take you into this gloomy, eerie home. A rich (sometimes over the top) sound score by designer Daniel Baker insures we are thrust into that world and stay there to the very last moment of this pot-boiler. The costumes by Fabian Fidel Aguilar are nothing short of exquisite – completing the picture of this eerie household and dubious characters. The aural and visual world is pulled together by the exceptional creativity of the director, Jackson Gay. Traditionally melodrama relies on elaborate plots and has only two-dimensional characters. However, in this case, Gay has really plumbed the depths of these unique characters. We don’t know who to trust, we can’t guess where the story is leading. The entire cast turns in splendid performances that never fail to keep us on the edge of our seats.

Caitlin Clouthier gives a marvelously nuanced performance as Bella, the fragile wife who has been suffering the psychological abuse of her husband for some time. She loves him and cannot fathom he could be anything other than what he seems to be. Her rich voice and her ability to find the weakness and hidden strength of Bella are mesmerizing. Lucas Dixon as Bella’s husband, Jack, effectively exudes both considerable charm and worrisome menace. The position of women in this era adds credence to his treatment of the frail wife. Is Jack a villain or just set in the role of the master of the house? Kelly McAndrew plays the housekeeper, Elizabeth, with great aplomb and equanimity. Her demeanor and velvety voice bring balance to the frenetic and frightening plot twists.  Rounding out the cast is Ellen Grace Diehl as Nancy, a new maid in the household who deftly adds to the threatening ambience.

It would be a disservice to relate any more of the plot, since the moment-by-moment discovery is what is so fascinating about this play. What holds it all in balance is the stellar directing by Jackson Gay. As a female director, Gay has carefully tiptoed through the minefield of domestic abuse and evoked nuance and verisimilitude from her talented cast. There are memorable images capturing the moment, as well as creative choices such as positioning Bella down center, facing front at times – usual in a realistic play but perfect for the moment. The show’s pace is fast and taut – never giving you too much time to think about the arguments which may not withstand scrutiny. 

In short, DECEIVED is a great start to the summer season at the Dorset Theatre Festival. You won’t want to miss it. 

Credits

Based on the play, GASLIGHT, by Patrick Hamilton

Adapted by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson

Director: Jackson Gay

Fight Director: Rod Kinter

Set Design: Riw Rakkulchon

Lighting Design: Seth Reiser

Costume Design: Fabian Fidel Aguilar

Sound Design: Daniel Baker

Cast:

Bella Caitlin Clouthier

Elizabeth Kelly McAndrew

Jack Lucas Dixon

Nancy Ellen Grace Diehl

Information

DECEIVED runs June 19 through July 4. For tickets, phone: 802-867-2223

ADVISORY: This production contains mild violence, strobe effects, and the use of a prop firearm.

Running time: 2 hours & 15 mins. Including one intermission

Theatre: Dorset Theatre Festival at the Dorset Playhouse

Address: 104 Cheney Rd, Dorset, VT 05251

Closing date: July 4, 2026

Website: www.dorsettheatrefestival.org