The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

This was an adaptation of the original story by Robert Louis Stevenson and was produced in the black box form – so virtually no scenery but this was certainly not necessary as the characters involved told the story in such a believable way.  Only three chairs were used, together with a piece of wood which was used as Jekyll’s laboratory, a desk or a bed – all skilfully moved when necessary by two of the backstage staff.

One might wonder how the play could possibly work with a female cast member playing the male parts but no worries there – the male parts were played in such a manner that it was the characters we were watching and not the gender and they were all played extremely well.

The narrators were Becks Heard and Emma Pierssene who had many other parts to play as well, all carried out with aplomb.  The significance of “the door” stated throughout by both of them has dawned on me since reading again the original version.

Wendy Knowles was very adept in changing character as she was both Jekyll and Hyde.  Her hair was tied back as the clever scientist, Dr Jekyll and all the transformation needed was to let her hair down and she immediately became the wild and wicked Mr Hyde.

The rest of the cast included Sue Davis as Dr Hastie Lanyon, Sheffield Huxley – Gabriel John Utterson, Yana Mason – Richard Enfield, Romilly Huxley – Helen O’Neil and Kirsty Bennett-Koster as Cybel – all making the story come very much to life.  Kirsty was also responsible for the costumes which were absolutely ideal.

This is an extremely wordy play and not surprisingly there were one or two prompts, dealt with by the company’s very efficient prompt, Liz Lash and taken up very well by those concerned.

Thanks must always be given to those providing the refreshments.  A cup of tea in the interval is always very welcome.

The programme was designed in a suitably sombre manner and all those working backstage in whatever capacity are to be congratulated for all their hard work and Geoff Baker did his usual splendid work with lighting and sound.  Director and Producer Charisse Goddard and Mark Canelle (Stage Manager & Production Assistant) brought everything together with great skill. Thank you Haven Players for bringing your audiences something rather different and thought provoking.

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