T ense thriller Gaslight comes to Trinity next week when TTC take it on as their latest production.

Probably known to most people as "the play where the woman is being driven mad", the story, written in 1938, is a complex blend of whodunnit, psychological thriller and lighthearted comedy – all centred around a woman living in Victorian England whose marriage, and mind, are falling apart.

Bella Manningham is becoming a prisoner in her own home. She can't explain the mysterious disappearance of familiar objects, the sounds of footsteps in a sealed part of the house and the ghostly flickering of the living room gas lights. Are these figments of her delusional mind?

As the drama unfolds it becomes clear that Manningham is intent on driving his wife mad. But why?

Lucy Dickens, who plays the tragic Bella, told Go! about the play.

Pretty much everyone knows the play is about a woman being driven mad by her manipulative husband. Is there anything else to it?

"To be honest, that sums it up quite well!

"Obviously it's about a young woman in Victorian times. She's very much ruled by her husband and believes that she is going out of her mind.

"But the play is also quite light-hearted in places. It can be, obviously, very intense. But there are elements which lift it. It's a thriller but it has the odd amusing bit to take the pressure away – otherwise it would all get a bit too dark."

The plot itself sounds quite modern.

"Exactly, it is. It's something that would work in any era but it's nice to be doing it in Victorian times because you wouldn't expect a husband to be treating his wife that way then."

The character you're playing is the role Ingrid Bergman famously won an Oscar for in the 1944 film. Did you watch it in preparation?

"I did. I wasn't sure whether to or not. But then I watched it. Not to copy her performance because I don't think you can – I mean, it is Ingrid Bergman!"

It must be a very challenging role.

"It's exhausting! It's a fantastic role but it is very intense."

Is it difficult to keep up that level of emotion for five nights?

"I'll let you know at the end of it!"

Tuesday February 23 to Saturday February 27 at 8pm with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 3pm Tickets £12.50 (concessions £11.50) for evening performances and £7.50 for matinees. Opening night special offer: £17.50 for two tickets Book online at www.trinitytheatre.net or phone 01892 678678