Jekyll & Hyde

This musical thriller based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with a musical score by Frank Wildhorn is complex, as are the characters and consequently a huge challenge to which the entire cast rose at every level.

A dramatic opening by the full company was of the highest quality executed by a strong robust chorus supporting an excellent principal line up. Their well-rehearsed stagecraft using full width of the stage throughout the show. From the moment the lights went down in the theatre and the company entered, the audience knew they were in for a fascinating evening. The ensemble singing was strong, each number being performed with conviction, and entrances and exits were smoothly executed.

Principals in characterisation and vocal performance played their respective roles with conviction and realism helping the audience retain almost a spellbound state in this dark tale. Allan Recardo ‘Sir Danvers Carew’ rich in tone was robust and sympathetic in authoritative style. Nick Parker ‘Gabriel John Utterson’ in his role as ‘Jekyll’s’ loyal and faithful friend was excellent. Other notable performances came from Tom Willson ‘Simon Stride’, Angela Lane ‘Lady Beaconsfield’, Kelvin McArdle ‘Lord Savage, Pauline Peach ‘Spider’ and in role of ‘Priest’ Phil Seedhouse.

The ladies in ‘Jekyll’s’ split intensely complex existence interacted superbly well with the split personality character. Incredible chemistry in the good and evil stages was demonstrated brilliantly by Claire Collins ‘Emma Carew’ who played her fiancée role with passion, compassion and scorn. Debbie Phillips ‘Lucy Harris’ sang and danced emotively none more so than in “Someone like You”

In the central character role Mark Hughes ‘Dr Henry Jekyll/Mr Edward Hyde’ gave an outstanding powerful stamina packed performance, taking complete command of the stage. Good and evil were demonstrated with compassion and murderous consequence. Vocally “This is the Moment” left the audience mesmerised. The strong true voice came through equally perfectly in Duets with ‘Emma’ in “Take me as I am” and with ‘Lucy’ – “Dangerous Game”. His two characters were distinctive making transformation between them totally believable. Including the point in the confrontation scene when finally good and evil in Jekyll world collides.

Costume design enhanced the show as did an excellent orchestra which at no point overpowered vocal performances that had clarity and rich sound.

The triumph of this production was due in no small way to the sturdy set capable of providing the scene change flexibility required. Particularly impressive was ‘Jekyll’s’ laboratory treating the audience to visibility of a variety of liquid chemicals in vivid orange green and red colouring facilitating pouring and mixing at will complete with huge flame as the various mixtures ignited.

Not a show designed to leave the audience smiling and toe tapping but one on which the whole company are to be congratulated for providing an amazing piece of dark entertainment.

Ian G Cox Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

on behalf of Joyce Eyre District 6

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