Review: DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE, New Wimbledon Theatre

The Studio at the New Wimbledon Theatre is a home to development work from new writers and directors and frequently hosts Ryan Philpott’s Dickens Theatre Company, who are driven by an ethos to create accessible productions, particularly for schools and community groups. This team have brought the dingy depths of Victorian Soho to the genteel streets of Wimbledon with their latest adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

This is a charming retelling of the well-known story that weaves in narration from RL Stevenson himself (Ryan Philpott) talking through his writing process and the circumstances surrounding the publication of this gothic classic.

The ‘duality of man’ takes centre stage in this production as the compact cast of four give Dr Jekyll himself a run for his money, slipping in and out of multiple characters. A round of applause is especially due to Louise Faulkner who hops between no fewer than seven roles, ranging from ‘Old Woman’ to Dr Lanyon, dexterous and deliberate with each of her various characters.

Dave Keeling cuts a dashing figure as the wholesome protagonist Mr Utterson, matched against the tortured twisting of Rob Goll who portrays both Jekyll and Hyde with an extraordinary and chilling variation in his voice and physicality. Ryan Philpott completes this dynamic cast, dancing between accents as a Cockney policemen and Scottish Stevenson.

This small but mighty company boasts an astonishing array of Victorian costumes which truly help to immerse the audience in this cosy black box theatre to the shadowy, sordid streets of Stevenson’s Soho.

In the opening scenes, it feels as though the cast are perhaps still finding their feet in the New Wimbledon Studio but after a shaky start, they find their rhythm. Eric Richard’s direction keeps good pace and uses the set well to create shadow effects and surprise reveals. 

Geared specifically towards students at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, this production has enough thrills to delight audiences of all ages. A chilling mystery electrified by a charming cast, and engaging enough to keep the teenage boys behind me murmuring their suspicions. I agree, boys – Mr Edward Hyde is ‘sus’.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Livvy Perrett

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 28 May, with tickets available here.