Review: THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE, Lichfield Garrick - UK tour

Photo credit: Alex Harvey-Brown

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll & Mr Hyde in 1886, yet it is still relevant today with topics including mental health and the study of easing medical suffering still talked about on an almost daily basis.

Set at the time of its writing, this adaptation of the classic is thrilling and exhilarating.

At the centre of the tale is Doctor Jekyll, a successful man within his field and much respected, he is close to a neurological discovery that will change medical science forever, but his methods may be less than ethical and when a close friend threatens to expose him, he is forced to continue the experiments by carrying them out on himself. Naturally, something goes very wrong and the brutal and moral less Edward Hyde is born.

Adapted and directed by Nick Lane, it’s a respectable decision to keep the story set in the 19th century, adding a sense of myth and mystery to the piece. There is, after all, nothing quite like a Victorian horror story!

With music composed by Tristan Parkes, intermittent within scenes, the tension is built and movement direction by Enric Ortuno is chilling and comprehensive in detail, both aspects teamed with Blake Kubena’s performance as Doctor Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde, make the atmosphere charged, particularly at one point when we see him flit between the two personalities, as he explains his actions.

The adaptation of Eleanor Lanyon as a central character is an ingenious way of modernising the story without actually changing it. Using her as a catalyst and highlighting the class differences of the time, giving her more context against the other characters. She is played heartily by Paige Round, giving the character room for growth and encompassing the Hyde element naturally occurring within her character as Eleanor and Edward finally come together.

The cast is completed by Nick Lane and Ashley Sean-Cook who multirole throughout seamlessly and move the narrative of the story along smoothly.

An intriguing and enjoyable piece, and a must see for all classics fans.

**** Four Stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde is touring across the UK until May 2022, with more information available here.