Jekyll & Hyde at Queens Theatre

On the 12th of November 2022, I bought a ticket to see the theatre retelling and adaptation of the Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The Original story follows a well-respected scientist Dr. Jekyll who wants to separate man's ‘second’ nature, the part that doesn’t accept responsibility, eventually resulting in an evil alter ego known as Mr. Hyde.

The production highlights specific plot points that change your perception of the strange case, this is due to the symbolic adaptation by Neil Barlett & Sarah Brigham brought to life by a wonderful 9-member cast.

The retelling emphasizes the prejudice women face while holding the same or similar roles to their male counterparts, this is done while still staying true to the nature of the plot, drawing the audience into the mystery.

3 characters stood out the most due to their portrayals. Dr. Stevenson’s slow-burning inquisition complemented by Tilly’s sharp remarks & Mr. Enfield's sarcasm brought the stage to life.

The Queen theatre and Derby Production also included a musical number, all the gentlemen burst into song and dance with a quirky choreography that had canes & waistcoats flying across the stage.

As I was writing, I came across many 5-star reviews, but one stood out particularly.

“A faithful and authentic slice of Victoriana which veers from the fantastic to visceral realism at the flick of a switch with a sprinkling of the magical” — Behind the Arras

The quote perfectly encapsulates what was most interesting about the production, “fantastic to visceral realism”. The contrasts between societal perception, coupled with the dynamic performances delivered by the actors created a gripping atmosphere, that enticed you to listen

Dr. Stevenson & Dr. Jekyll

The play opened up by setting up a clear contrast between how both doctors are perceived by society, on one hand, Dr. Stevenson is presented as the outlier, an anomaly that only made it to the top of their chosen field through hard work, charity & chance while the other, Dr. Jekyll is a genius mind that is revered and respected by all.

The effect of this representation can only be fully appreciated once you take into account the 2 contrasting characters are both doctors, the only evident difference between them being their biological sex, I’d go as far as to say on paper most would wrongly presume both characters were male going by their names ‘Stevenson & Jekyll’ this also makes me consider whether the decision to cast Dr. Stevenson as a woman was intentional, as it could influence the perception of the audience and increase their understanding the contextual factors that surround the play ultimately making it more immersive.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

Initially, the relationship between Mr. Jekyll and his counterpart is met with resistance because of many reasons, like his esteemed social status and the primary witness in the case being a woman of no social standing ‘Tilly’. The whirlpool of confusion caused by the prejudice and doubts from the public gave Mr. Hyde many opportunities to commit crime after crime.

Eventually, after countless pieces of evidence are brought, it is only after Mr. Utterson another high-standing male figure takes direct involvement in the case, that it then snowballs. Other characters then let the idea of an unsavory relationship in more ways than one, between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, take root in their minds.

This meant the audience could create their speculations and assumptions about the relationship between the two men before it is finally revealed while simultaneously giving access to the thoughts of Victorian society.

For an exclusive with ‘Tilly’ played by Tife Kusoro stay tuned.

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