Jekyll and Hyde The Musical

Jekyll and Hyde, The Musical had its US debut in 1990 and eventually came to the UK on tour in 2004. It is a very powerful retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

We entered the auditorium to be greeted by the sounds of the asylum and costumed cast manning the bar and wandering through the audience. What a great atmosphere that created! The stage set was simple: steps either side leading to a high-level platform at the back and full width steps at the front coming down into the audience. The cast used the steps frequently and a table at the front of the audience, so we really felt part of the action and absorbed into the show. Great quality props were used, especially in Jekyll’s laboratory and scene changes were swift and efficiently carried out by the cast, so that one scene just folded into the next seamlessly.

Director James Etheridge has paid attention to every detail with this imaginative and powerful staging, cleverly setting actors lounging on, or even under, the steps watching the action, creating interest. Attention to detail did not let up even in the interval. The dead Bishop of Basingstoke didn’t just get up and leave during the blackout, after a while, two costumed members of cast arrived to carry the body off. A very nice touch.

Costumes throughout were stylish and perfect for the period. My only slight quibble was that Emma Carew’s dress should have been full length – it looked too much like one of the street girls’ dresses.

Ian Pratt’s lighting design was stunning with some incredible effects conjuring up great atmosphere. The music was excellent quality backing tracks and Bryan Mercer’s sound balance was spot-on most of the time with sung words coming across clearly, although underscored dialogue was sometimes hard to hear.

Ryan Moss was a revelation. I’d only previously seen him in comedy roles, but he took the part of Jekyll by the scruff of the neck and made it his own, giving it all the gravitas it needed and transforming into Hyde by the sheer force of his acting – no special effects required. What a powerful voice he has, yet still capable of tender moments and you really felt his love for fiancée Emma Carew. Jess Eaton was stunning as Emma – what a lovely, pure voice she has - and she demonstrated a nice gentle innocence. Emma Hall really pulled at our heartstrings making Lucy Harris such a sad character, totally winning our sympathy. Her scenes with Hyde were played with obvious chemistry.

Matt Gibbins impressed as Jekyll’s friend John Utterson, as did Jevan Fletcher as Sir Proops and the pimp, Spider. Lauren Foord was marvellously pompous and superficial as Lady Beaconsfield and Tom Doolan made a convincingly hypocritical Bishop of Basingstoke. Strong support was given by the rest of the cast, who also formed the chorus when not in principal mode.

Bee Anderson’s terrific choreography had flair and imagination and was interpreted precisely by the cast. Musical Director Ben Horner had brought the cast to a peak of perfection with their singing, with some glorious harmonies in the big numbers.

The full colour programme was a very professional affair with good biographies of the cast and creative team and interesting rehearsal photos.

You’ve done it again CAOS – another stunning production. What a powerful, stylish and utterly professional show this was, demonstrating what a talented group you are and how you strive for perfection in everything you do.

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