Jekyll and Hyde

Stage2 productions are recognised for consistently presenting innovative theatre that engages audiences with challenging and insightful themes.

In Evan Placey’s adaptation, it begins with Harriet Jekyll attending the theatre alone, a significant moment that initiates the storyline. Rather than focusing on Dr Jekyll, who is deceased, the play centres on his widow, Harriet. Portrayed by Evie Mumford, Harriet persistently advocates for independence and the advancement of women's rights, seeking equality in pay, opportunity, stature, and acceptance alongside men. Themes of good, evil, and morality remain central, now examined through psychology instead of 19th-century scientific debates.

If there is a Jekyll, then there must be a Hyde; in this instance, Flossie Hyde, portrayed skilfully by Indigo Perrett. Flossie is involved with a house of ill repute. At this point i would like to mention Evie Hack-Myers who gave an outstanding performance as the somewhat outspoken Josephine, a character who was consistently captivating. Casey James played Detective Utterson, a family friend investigating Dr Jekyll's suspected murder after his alleged suicide a year earlier. James Woodman played  Judge Enfield as an intimidating presence, particularly in his interactions with Tommy, Sean Domanski. We meet Ono Mazaheri, portraying Dr. Lanyon, who worked alongside Dr. Jekyll but declined to recommend his widow to the Royal Society to continue her husband's research, the audience were soon to learn she was going to continue regardless.We are introduced Florence Monroe, wow what a compelling performance from Rose Gilliam.

Supporting the main characters too numerous to mention all individually by name is a strong ensemble cast, including Erin Hebert (Ida),Ruby Breakwell (Martha), Mark Smith-Alonso (Gertrude), Clara Smith (Abbie), and Lewis Grego (Officer Rose).

As always with Stage2, every cast member contributed energy and depth to this unique adaptation of a literary classic. I made note of the slogans emblazoned across handheld boards ‘Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History’ and ‘Men of Quality Should Not Fear Equality ‘to name but two.

This interpretation of the story addresses challenges encountered by contemporary youth that differ from those experienced by previous generations. The play was extremely well performed and delivered a fresh take on Jekyll and Hyde, showing that good and evil can coexist within one person both in public and private. I really enjoyed both the choreography and music that both enhanced the story line and added atmosphere to the mood of the scenes, credit should also be given to the lighting and not forgetting the period costumes with a difference, superb.

Congratulations all involved on yet another thought-provoking performance. I can’t finish sharing my thoughts without mentioning all those working tirelessly behind the scenes without whom the performances simply would not happen. Roni Mevorach’s confidence as director continues to grow, assisted by the large crew of assistant Director, Bella Bailey.Vinnie Stoiber (lighting operator) George Coley and Iris Baguley (sound operators) Herbie Oldershaw (stage manager/ costumes)Daisy Wilkes (lighting designer) Ryan Fox (backstage manager) and Alex Tipping (scenic artist) apologies if Iv forgotten anyone.

Thank you once again for the invitation, I look forward to your next project.

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