Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre – until 28th May 2022
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
4.5****
The Dickens Theatre brings you the story of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.
In 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson (Ryan Philpott) was having money problems after originally writing the classic – Treasure Island. He needed to produce another read that would hopefully become a hit and would get him out of financial trouble. One night when a fever took hold and his brain became muddled and his thoughts out of control, he experienced the strangest of dreams where a story was developed and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde were created. Telling the story about an evil presence that appears to be on the loose in Soho, London with the name of Mr Hyde (Rob Gull). He plays his part well, as a character with a deep darkness within, that’s evil as well as an antagonistic mastermind. Not to mention, he also happens to have a murderess streak. His transition between his Jekyll and Hyde characters offers much impact with a distilled, belligerent voice that comes across frightening. On the other hand, his Dr Jekyll character plays a well respectable doctor who is an outstanding pillar of the community that is intelligent, ambitious and well spoken. He portrays both characters well and was powerful and interesting to watch.
When a murder takes place and is linked to Mr Hyde. Dr Jekyll’s closest friends Utterson (Dave Keeling) and Dr Lanyon (Louise Faulkner) begins to wonder what the connection between the two could be. Mr Utterson who plays his part as a lawyer has an interest in the crime, joins the dots with his persistence. Leading him to discover the truth that his oldest friend is also a monster. He plays his part on point with a solid vision and determination but also has compassion and always plays by the book. He was an absorbing character to take in and entertaining to watch. Dr Layon plays a deeply scared character when he finds out that his friend Jekyll has experimented in something so unnatural and has a great difference of opinion. that later embarks on his downward fall! The Character plays at a stable and constant pace throughout as well as taking on many other roles in the production. His change of characters was impressive to watch.
Then we come to Robert Louis Stevenson who narrates throughout telling the story in great detail with the use of rhyme which came across entrancing and was satisfying to watch.
Although there were only four cast members to this production each one gave a remarkable change in character for the duration of the show.
This production was a gripping and compelling one to watch and I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout. I loved the fact that the venue was small and you were able to engage with the cast members at the end of the show. Definitely worth a visit a marvellous night had.
I feel a mention is needed for the lighting and sound for this small venue as it was done remarkably well during dramatic parts of the show. Along with using red lighting to enhance certain scenes this giving it more depth, madness and terror. Showing a darker side and offering a change of mood to each situation! I particularly liked the sound effects of potions bubbling away in the background giving the feeling you were in the laboratory was quite fun.