See the Play that Brought Us the Word 'Gaslighting'
Patrick Hamilton's psychological thriller coming to The Questors Theatre
Bella comes under the control of her husband Jack. Picture: The Questors
December 2, 2025
This December, audiences are invited to step into the shadowy world of Victorian London as Gaslight, the psychological thriller that gave rise to the term “gaslighting,” returns to the stage in a gripping new production at The Studio in The Questors Theatre.
Running from 12 to 31 December, Gaslight tells the story of Bella, a woman whose reality begins to unravel under the quiet manipulations of her husband Jack. As objects go missing and memories blur, Bella is told she’s losing her mind — until a stranger’s arrival forces her to question everything. Set in 1880s London, the play explores themes of control, deception, and the terrifying power of doubt.
Written in 1938 by Patrick Hamilton, Gaslight has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring the Oscar-winning 1944 film starring Ingrid Bergman and giving rise to the now widely used term “gaslighting.” Hamilton was a Chiswick native, born in 1904 and raised in west London. His early life in the area — marked by both literary promise and personal hardship — shaped the dark psychological landscapes of his work, which also includes Rope and Hangover Square.
Hamilton’s writing is known for its claustrophobic tension and sharp insight into human vulnerability, and Gaslight remains one of his most enduring achievements. This new staging offers a chance to revisit the play’s origins and reflect on its continued relevance in an age of misinformation and emotional manipulation.
Performance Details
- Dates : 12–31 December, 7:30pm
- Matinees : Sundays 14, 21 & 28 December at 2:30pm (no evening show)
- No shows : Mon 15, Wed 24, Thu 25, Fri 26 December
- Captioned performances : Thu 18 at 7:30pm & Sun 28 at 2:30pm
- Tickets : £16–£24 (concessions and Season Pass discounts available)
- Age guidance : Recommended 12+ (adult themes)
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