Music: Frank Wildhorn

Book/Lyrics: Leslie Bricusse

Director: Martin Connor

Reviewer: Poppy Helm

The Public Reviews Rating:

Although based on Robert Louis Stephenson’s 1886 novella, like most major stage versions, Jekyll & Hyde is a liberal adaptation of the original story. Inspired by his father’s illness, Dr Jekyll requests sanction to test a formula designed to save others from this ‘darkness’. The hospital board’s refusal prompts Jekyll to instead experiment on himself, where he becomes drawn into a battle between his own fragmented personalities – one with a propensity for compassion, the other for unspeakable cruelty.

In keeping with the sombre subject matter, Mark Bailey’s set is stark and gothic. Accents of blood red feature amongst the dark tones, hinting at the horror that awaits. Barely two scenes share the same backdrop in the First Act but despite the frequency of set changes, they are elegant and slick. Jekyll’s laboratory looks a particularly inviting place to poke about in, with all manner of bottles cluttering the workbench and shelves. This is a typical example of a design where no detail seems to have been left unconsidered.

Marti Pellow is outstanding in his dual role as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the transition between the two signified by the donning and shedding of a fur lined shawl. This is almost surplus to requirement though as the emergence of Jekyll’s murderous alter-ego quickly becomes obvious by the stoop of Pellow’s shoulder and the growl in his voice. Interestingly, stiff socialite, Jekyll, and the animalistic Hyde share a common trait; the insatiable need to pursue what they most desire. The inevitable showdown between the two is delivered by projecting a disturbingly enlarged Hyde onto the window of Jekyll’s laboratory in a visually stunning and suitably dramatic climax. Pellow’s magnetism is rivalled only by Sabrina Carter’s depraved yet sympathetic Lucy; her final meeting with Hyde proves the most tension-laden scene in the entire play. However, it must be noted that all the performances are excellent, with the only minor slip being Pellow’s own momentary drift back into his native Scottish accent.

In summary, this is a skillfully executed production which explores perhaps the oldest stories of all; the battle between good and evil, the duality of human nature and the apparent ease with which it is possible to slip between these polar opposites.

Runs until 26th March 2011

Jekyll & Hyde - The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 4.4 out of 5 based on 8 ratings

Tags: Bill Kenwright, Frank Wildhorn, Jekyll & Hyde, Leslie Bricusse, Manchester, Mark Bailey, Marti Pellow, Martin Connor, Palace Theatre, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sabrina Carter