The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886 will be familiar to many. However, in order to avoid impairing the pleasure of those who do not know the story I will be circumspect in this review about the plot.
This one-man stage adaptation has been written and performed by Mark Stratford. It closely follows the plot and characterisation in Stevenson’s original. The play starts with the investigating officer Inspector Newcomen explaining to the audience of background to the case and introducing the testimony of Gabriel Utterson, the lawyer and friend of Dr Henry Jekyll. Concerned by the strange behaviour and disappearance of his friend plus a strange will left in his keep, Utterson starts to investigate and soon comes across the strange deformed character of Mr Hyde, who seems to live in part of the Jekyll’s house and enter through a back entrance. After a couple of disturbing incidents which seem to involve Mr Hyde Utterson is called to the house by distressed servants and knocking down the door, reveals a horrifying sight and a confession which explains the strange events leading up to the tragedy.
Mark Stratford plays all parts adopting different stances and accents as required. It is a truly mesmerising performance. The staging is a simple black set with a chair small table and a box with the few props that are required. Suitable sound effects are used when necessary and the lighting is changed to evoked different times and different moods. It is a brilliant piece of theatre focusing on the text and the actor with no other distractions.
The only disappointing part was the lighting which did not always seem to fully sync with the actions and left Stratford only part lit at times; maybe this is due to constraints with the Brockley Jack’s lighting rig.
This show is part of a UK tour which will run through to June this year. For those who are unfamiliar with the story it is brilliant introduction to a classic of English literature and for those who do know the plot to hear this fascinating adaptation and Stratford’ s brilliant retelling will be a joy. This is 75 minutes of the most effective theatrical storytelling.
Reviewer: Paul Ackroyd
Reviewed: 26th January 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★