Jekyll & Hyde

The traditional story of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde needs no introduction – the fight between good and evil the slight difference of course being that evil wins and the hero dies.  It is somewhat difficult to know where to begin with this review – and there are really only two reasons for that - either there was so much wrong that it is impossible to know where to begin to be constructive – or it was just a superb show that there is really nothing to say – and I am delighted to say that the reason for my dilemma for this production is very definitely the latter.

The orchestra got the evening off to a great start taking it at a brisk pace with plenty of light and shade so that we were able to feel the tension of things to come in the music.

The scenery was a triumph – I loved the stained glass window – the only slight downside being the glare on the mirror from the spotlight, the attention to detail was apparent,  but perhaps the most important thing was the set was able, and indeed was moved quickly, quietly and efficiently between the innumerable scenes so very many congratulations to the set designers, builders and crew on the night (all in black so as unobtrusive as humanly possible) for all their hard work, before, during and no doubt after the show.

Costumes looked good and were colourful – there were some wonderful ‘missing teeth’ and ‘dirty faces’ which looked authentic – maybe some of the faces and the costumes were a bit too clean but the overall effect was simply wonderful.

In her notes the director comments that ‘much of the story is sung, with little dialogue’ which is certainly true.  However, many congratulations to the sound crew and, of course, the diction of the performers, for the first time I heard every word clearly which was simply wonderful.

Many many congratulations to every single person who was actually ‘treading the boards’ there was some wonderful singing and acting and some truly expressive facial expressions.  There was not a weak link in the cast so to single any one person out for a mention would be grossly unfair – every single person on the stage (and backstage and in the pit) put their heart and soul into it – and it showed – just a wonderful example of teamwork, which produced a great evening of theatre, which overall was far greater than the sum of its individual parts.

On the evening we were there the show received a justified standing ovation but perhaps even greater than that was the fact that the audience really ‘voted with their feet’ the show ran for 7 nights and the society are able to claim the proud boast of ‘House Full Signs’ up for every performance with, as I understand, people coming back a second time and bringing others with them.  How many societies can put up a House Full sign even for one performance in a run – let alone every performance?  What an achievement!

Thank you so much for the invitation and your kind hospitality, and very many congratulations.

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