Jekyll & Hyde

I have now seen three different amateur versions of Jekyll & Hyde.  It’s a show I really like although it is not exactly “sweetness and light”, more “Les Miserables” in tone.  The libretto is based on a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, although taking considerable liberties with the original, which starts with Hyde fully formed and practising his murderous ways on an innocent child.  The show leads us more carefully through the process towards tragedy.  Poor Dr Jekyll is surely not the only scientist to test his potions on himself.  In his case, however, the outcome is disastrous, as his alter ego, Mr Hyde, embarks on a murderous spree.  Initially, his victims seem eminently deserving of their fates until he murders poor Lucy, the prostitute.  From then on, his fate appears to be sealed.

This production was very impressive, particularly Liam Gilbert as Jekyll/Hyde.  With nothing much more than a co-operative hairpiece, he convinces as both characters – the good (well, not bad) Jekyll and the evil (definitely evil) Hyde.  He has the only well known number, “This Is The Moment”, to sing.  I have always liked the song and Liam’s version was very moving and effective.  In fact, his entire performance was moving and effective.  We knew all along it was going to end badly but still we hoped he might escape the curse of his addiction. 

To me, the only other memorable song is “In His Eyes”, a duet sung on this occasion by Lisa Givens (as his fiancée Emma) and Katy Bowler (as poor, sad Lucy).  Both played their parts very well although Lisa had the harder job of the two, playing the good girl.  Katy revelled in her part as bad girl Lucy. (It is easy to see why actresses harp on about wanting to play murderers, prostitutes, drug addicts).

I was aware of one or two extraneous noises from the sound system during the first few minutes but they soon settled down.  I also thought that, for a show with so much music under the dialogue (sung and spoken), the orchestra was a little overpowering.   A perennial problem, I know, but this particular show needs the audience to  hear every word without straining.  So, the volume did detract somewhat from the enjoyment of myself and some of those around me.  That said, it was an excellent show.  My wife Kath and I had a most enjoyable evening.

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