Jekyll & Hyde

Jekyll & Hyde

Carlton Players

14/11/19

Stevenson’s short story was published in 1886 after the Pall Mall Gazette had exposed the sordid underside of London life and just one year before schizophrenia was scientifically identified as a discrete mental illness.

Based on this classic novella, this original adaptation takes you to the dismal world of London in the 1860s. Dr Henry Jekyll who believes there are two distinct sides to man a good and an evil. Dr Jekyll takes matters into his own hands. However, things take an eerie turn when his experiment takes on a life of its own. Will his efforts save the world, or will they destroy all that he holds dear? After all, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The action takes place in the London home of Dr Henry Jekyll.  The two tier set is inspired with the top tier being his laboratory overlooking the smoggy London rooftop skyline.  The parlour is dressed with period furniture and a well-stocked drinks trolley. The Director Nick Fawdry had a clear plan for this production, using the staging well, especially the transformation scenes as Jekyll becomes Hyde.

The role of Jekyll / Hyde played by Jonathan McGrath is not an easy one by any means and many a professional would shrink at the thought of it. The role requires two completely different personas and to change at lightning speed between them as well as being on stage most of the time and having the most dialogue. His Jekyll was polite, mild-mannered, quiet and unruffled the perfect Victorian society gent, and to watch his transformation was quite harrowing. Using only body language and vocal change, Hyde is a lascivious, hunch-backed devil which is not at all a caricature or over-the-top. A stunning performance from Jonathan McGrath.

There is a good performance from Sarah Jones who plays Jekyll’s fiancée Celestine whose loyalty to Dr Jekyll could be difficult for the audience to accept, considering she is at the same time a feisty character, but she remains loyal despite Dr Jekyll’s bizarre behaviour and her genuine love and affection is felt throughout. Congratulations to Wardrobe here for Celestine’s dresses, they were perfect.I also enjoyed the performances of Jekyll’s debate fellows, Mark Smith as Gabriel Utterson and Michael Hunter as Doctor Lanyon. Gareth Crawshaw as Poole the loyal Butler gave a first class performance. Lauren Towers gave a strong performance as Penny the prostitute Hyde befriends. Another fine character performance from Christine Smith who plays Hilda, Jekyll’s housekeeper - fine performances ladies. Last, but no means least, River Craddock who played the Child a victim of Hydes cruel disregard for life so convincingly . Well done young lady.

We were informed before the performance began that there had been a change in the cast, Dylan Russell (had been prompt) would now play Charlotte, Jekyll’s chambermaid. This was a commendable portrayal from Dylan who we learnt had only two full rehearsals. Charlotte is one of life’s victims, the only person who recognises that Henry Jekyll is Edward Hyde. Charlotte inevitably becomes the lustful object of Hyde’s desires. Well done Dylan.

Thank you Carlton Players for a very entertaining evening and I look forward to your next production.

Joanne Rymer

NODA

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