An adaptation of Stevenson's classic from Blackeyed Theatre, sticking quite closely to the original storyline. The tale is too well known to need much repeating here, with obsessive research doctor Jekyll choosing to experiment on himself with the drugs he hopes will unlock the secrets of the human personality, but only succeeded in unleashing his own inner amoral monster, Edward Hyde.
There was a clever, versatile set, apparently constructed from old furniture, providing an adaptable, but very Victorian, slightly seedy, setting. The atmosphere of Victorian London came across well.
Links between scenes were frequently provided by narration from Zach Lee, a useful device to move on the narrative, but which became itrritating due to the insistence on giving every significant date in full. A bit more variety in giving indiocation of timescales would have been better ("six weeks had passed..."). And the musical accompaniment could be overly intrusive, with some critical lines drowned out. These felt like basic errors in script and staging.
Despite these annoyances this was an enjoyable production, without threatening to break any new ground. Blake Kubena was a strong Jekyll/Hyde, mixing ambition, desperation and arrogance, but giving his two sodes clear physical delineation. He managed the transition scenes well. Lee played his lawyer, and few minot roles, while Ashley Sean-Cook took on the role of best friend to Jekyll, and another slew of lesser characters. Bit did a decent enough job, without shining. The final member of the quarter, Paige Round, had the most work to do, with multiple characters and costume changes, and emerged as the strongest of the group, an excellent performance.
A decent night out, but not something I could recommend you rush to see.
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