Jekyll & Hyde

Choreographer: Betty Hall

hrough a dramatic, somewhat daunting and gruesome tale, Romance overcoming Evil was behind the theme and story from the famous Author Robert Louis Stevenson. Many individual creations have graced Film & T.V. and so a strange topic when developing a Musical one would think, but since the first Broadway production in 1997 it has graced many a Professional Stage for extremely receptive and impressed audiences. Now available for amateur production, this has given a fabulous chance for various Musical Societies and Theatre Companies to put their stamp on it.
M.M.T.C. certainly managed to do just that and with an extremely talented and experienced production team behind it, then it was bound to be a resounding success. In the programme Neil Townsend (Director) mentions that between himself, Betty Hall(Choreographer) and Andrew Standevan (Musical Director) it was a chance to push the Company to what they‘d hoped was new heights.
Well I hope that no one is suffering from Acrophobia up there because they certainly seemed to achieved it and some!
Congratulations to all three of you, on such an impressive production, It became obvious very early on that every attention to detail had not been overlooked, from the casting decisions, the vocal abilities, and suitability of staging; from set to lighting to costume etc.
From the principal line up to the supporting roles to the prostitutes, the governors and the poor, everyone was drilled to within a cats whisker ,to make this a really great presentation.
Peter Brennan (Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde) gave a really excellent portrayal of “these” parts, skilfully showing the differences between the two characters formed within one being as we all know through the experiments. “A* “ acting and hopefully the voice lasted for the full run!
Kelli Bond (Lucy Harris) was so realistic and acting ability second to none; played so convincingly and held her character throughout. Totally the right style and strength of voice with a fabulous “Bluesy” style huskiness that you maybe would expect from a “Experienced lady of the Night”? me thinks.
Jessica D’ Silva (Emma Carew) a totally contrasting role to “Lucy” and played out superbly with light and shade within the portrayal, from sensitivity to anger to desperation and elation! With a voice that was mellow but strong, with fabulous soprano tones completed a great performance.
Matt Casson ( Gabriel John Utterson) extremely well cast, again obviously an experienced actor and again in fine voice, seemed very comfortable with his role commanded the stage sensitively and where necessary without upstaging “J & H”, an excellent all round performance.
All of the supporting roles were well performed and each character well suited to all the individuals concerned, introducing comedy where necessary and indeed each character well portrayed.
The Prostitutes were so convincing! I got the feeling that it was a great chance for the girls to throw away their inhibitions and how well they did it; each girl seemed to have a different character and top marks for attitude!
The “Poor Ladies and Gentlemen” were again all well drilled and oh how I think that the gentleman enjoyed the attentions of those naughty prostitutes! - each person zoned into their individual characters which overall, gave good support and well presented choral scenes.
Well done to Andrew Connard (Stage Manager) and his crew, including the Props etc. for the handling and moving of the set, Whilst there was a useful, static “Oliver Style” set all the way though, there was some effective and well utilised additions, even though the scene changes could be seen through the Gauze, all that was changed seemed well co-ordinated, nifty and extremely well done.
Gremlins attacked the lighting crew on the night that I attended and some of the cues were slow and sometimes unnecessary, leaving the principals in the dark for what seemed an age; confusing when it’s obvious that there should be cast lit when they are singing particularly during solos. Lots of the modern shows have lighting cues that are on a timed system but it’s so easy just to push a button and light the stage when it’s obviously needed surely!?. Was the lighting crew watching the show? never mind I’m sure it was all rectified for the rest of the run.
Costumes were excellent and all totally in keeping with the era, lots of attention to detail which is the finishing touch for the character played by any actor.
Many congratulations to the whole company, committee, production team, cast and crew including everyone that has had any input towards this production, from behind the footlights to the front of house - you have obviously all worked so hard and you deserve praise for your success.
Thank you so much for your delightfully “Themed” hospitality! I enjoyed my visit to this production very much indeed and look forward to meeting up with you all again soon!

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