"Jekyll & Hyde"
This Robert Louis Stevenson gothic classic is a joint project between Derby Theatre and Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch. Adapted by Neil Bartlett.
This is a totally different production to any that I've seen in the past; the whole story compressed into just ninety minutes. The actors, who double in in most roles dash around the stage as if they have a timer to get everything out on stage, and you know what, I liked it. It really kept you on your toes and made sure that you trained your attention on the story, the actors and the stage, just in case you missed anything.
There are several novel ideas in the production including an, almost, song and dance section to "Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner" complete with top hats and canes. There's a wonderful comic section where Mr Guest is taking the role of a graphologist, comparing the hand-writing of both Jekyll and Hyde. It's almost a blend of a TV quiz show mixed with one of those of fairground side shows.
The male members also, at the time of when Jekyll is explaining the transition from himself into Hyde, come across as inner demons exuding from the body of the doctor. Sat in just the right seat, which I was, this was very effective.
With the costumes, it reminded me a bit of "A Clockwork Orange", especially with Nicholas Shaw, who plays the dual lead role, and his facial expressions.
The difference between the two characters was also done exceedingly well, with Hyde being stooped in appearance and dressed in jeans, as opposed to the Doctor's smart black suit, tie, white shirt and dress coat. Facially and physically, there is no mixing up these two different characters.There's one section where Hyde seems to just appear and Jekyll disappeared from view. the magic of theatre!
Robert Vernon is Utterson, Jekyll's best friend and solicitor, who has serious doubts about Henry's change of will, as well as his state of mind.
Polly Lister plays Dr Stevenson, and it really makes a difference seeing and hearing the story from a female point of view. A really powerful performance.
Levi Payne plays Mr Guest. See above as to why I enjoyed this character.
James Morrellis plays The Inspector who is trying to get to the bottom of the whole scientific duality of Henry Jekyll.
Hilary Greatorex plays Mrs Poole/Matron. Love the characterisation of both characters, and at times there is just a hint of a female Kenneth Williams coming through.
Craig Painting plays Enfield. What a character actor Craig is, making his roles really animated brought out even more of the fun element that this new production has.
Charlie Buckland plays Lanyon, whose character really comes into play in Act Two.
Tife Kusoro plays The Girl, Tilly, who is trampled by Hyde in the first instance and where this story really starts. Another wonderful character actor who demands your attention on stage.
Directed by Sarah Brigham, I love the pace of this production. There is not one moment where you are not engaged in this production.
The sound design is by Ivan Scott, and with all the clever effects and echoes, it adds a real sense of unease with sound coming from all parts of the theatre.
Lighting design is by Simeon Miller. I have always said that the lighting and sound team can make or break a production that is seeped in menace, and Simeon and Ivan really make this a production that you'll not forget for a while.
The set, designed by Jessica Curtis, is like an old style stripped back court room with several levels, which enable Jekyll to appear and vanish on many levels. The door to Jekyll's front and back doors as well as the laboratory are all in one mobile "box", which also has a quick-change element at one point as well.
I've seen the story of Jekyll and Hyde several times on stage but this is such a new retelling of the story, it's almost as if it's the first time that I'd seen it. A refreshing look on a classic tale that is well worth a viewing.
"Jekyll & Hyde" is at Derby Theatre until Saturday 22 October.
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