Jekyll and Hyde

Before writing this short report, I took time to investigate on line some past productions both professional and amateur. It became apparent that professional productions have seldom been ‘liked’ by critics but amateur productions fare much better. I think that this is because of the ‘hype and gloss’ that surrounds  professional versions of this gothic horror story, gloss that either because of cost or simply space and time is not apparent in amateur versions…. and so it was with CLOC’s clever presentation last week.

Save for a few clever insets and stage props, there was no scenery. Presented in a black space, the whole production relied upon the performances of this talented company with colour coming from excellent costumes and superb lighting and sound.  Quite simply there were no weak links….the whole company worked as a team to ensure outstanding entertainment.

The direction was intelligent with all movement meaningful. Dialogue was crisp and clear with scene changes behind the cast, acting and singing on a clever walkway….thus the pace was terrific.

No one let up for a single moment, the cast of chorus singers were each individual and interesting. Cameo roles were played by talented performers and the principal performers were simply stunning.

The quality of the small orchestra was in itself outstanding and the excellent MD brought out the best in the chorus and principal songs and routines. There were times when I questioned the quality of sounds from the orchestra but was assured it came from the keyboard.

There were many excellent scenes but outstanding among them was Scene 5… the meeting of Jekyll and Lucy at The Red Rat’ … the routine from the company was quite memorable.   Murder, Murder on the Streets of London scene1 Act 2 was  so good,  and the confrontation between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was superbly performed by John Prescott.

The singing throughout the show was amazing with wonderful performances and solos from Mollie Kent as Emma, Kiana Ashton as Lucy Harris and a tour de force from John Prescott as Jekyll and Hyde. John made this very difficult role his own… awesome.

 I didn’t go  home just feeling happy having watched yet another enjoyable musical, I came away from this production feeling  privilege and awe at having been present at the very best of amateur theatre.

Well done CLOC this amazingly difficult production was a triumph from start to finish.

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