Jekyll & Hyde

The set on this show was beautifully constructed with Dr Jekyll’s Lab opening from panels at the back and his office placed just in front. Other scenes were played out in front of black tabs and gauzes and the aprons were used well.

I liked the lighting plot which was subtle but very creative including the number “In his Eyes” with Emma lit and in white and Lucy subtly lit, in black/red and in the shadows (very in keeping with the character). The sound worked well including microphones and balance of the large orchestra.

The costumes and props were wonderful with attention to detail on both and very in keeping with Victorian London.

The sixteen piece Orchestra sounded wonderful with this varied score with beautiful melodies and haunting harmonies. Harry Butterworth had worked hard with the cast on all the numbers which portrayed the characterisations well and enabled the chorus to contribute beautifully with numbers such as “Façade” and “Murder, Murder” which are reprised throughout.

Obviously the casting of Jekyll/Hyde is paramount to this shows success and in choosing Martin Bradbury to play this part the show was in experienced hands. Martin portrayed the part with great skill in both parts and his vocals were faultless. This is a very challenging role but Martin was dutifully scary as Hyde and charming as Dr Jekyll and also had great chemistry with his two leading ladies and best friend. A fantastic portrayal.

Brent Andrews played well opposite Martin as his best friend Gabriel Utterson and Andrew Gibbons as Simon Stride sounded and looked the part. The other Governors were very well cast and had clear diction on dialogue and vocals for ease of following the story.

Emma was beautifully played by Debbie Thew. This was a fantastic performance with tender acting scenes and gorgeous vocals. Debbie’s soprano voice was perfect on “Once Upon a Dream” and her duet “Take Me as I Am” with Martin In Act 1 and “In his Eyes” in Act 2 with Lucy was charged with emotional pathos to match the stunning vocals.

Alison Starrs was brilliant as Lucy despite a little hiccup in her opening number. With her experience she pulled this back and did not let it affect the rest of her performance which was very well acted and sung. Her relationship with Mr Hyde was very believable and there was great chemistry between her and Martin Bradbury.

There are many stunning numbers in this show and each of the principals and the chorus performed these beautifully. The action moved quickly with no scene change hold ups and the direction worked well with great attention to detail both on stage and in characterisation. Well done to everyone involved in this lovely production.

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