A DARK thriller full of twists and turns is set to be performed at a Manningtree theatre.

Gaslight, a production set in the 1800s, will be put on in the Manifest Theatre, in Oxford Road.

Written by author and playwright Patrick Hamilton, the play follows the dark tale of a marriage based on deceit and trickery, and a husband committed to driving his wife insane in order to steal from her

Will Parrick, director of Gaslight, said: "I was thrilled to be able to direct Gaslight at the Manifest, as it is a play I feel passionately about.

"However, I couldn't have hoped to have such an amazing cast. I am equally excited by the set and props as they grow around us during the rehearsals.

"Thanks to the extremely talented local actors and crew, the show is definitely more than the sum of its parts.

"I cannot wait for opening night so I can share this compelling piece of theatre with the audience."

Gaslight follows the gripping tale of Bella Manningham and her feelings of insanity derived from the actions of her sadistic husband Jack.

As the story unfolds, Bella is aided by retired Detective Inspector Rough who suspects there is more to this story than initially meets the eye. 

In some ways ahead of its time, Gaslight is also the source of the term “gaslighting” as used today to describe a form of psychological abuse.

Mr Parrick continued: "Manifest Theatre is entirely run by volunteers.

"It's a great asset to the local community in Manningtree, even though a lot of the town's occupants aren't even aware it exists."

The Manifest Theatre held its first production in 1979 and has put on professional shows with local talent ever since.

Performances of Gaslight can be enjoyed from May 21 to 35, with all shows beginning at 7.30pm. 

Tickets for members are £10, and £12 for non-members.