I’d imagine most of us have at least heard of the story of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ even if we haven’t heard what the plot of his old tale is all about. So it was with myself when I went to see the play at the Royal Opera House in Nottingham as it kicked-off their ‘Classic Thriller Season’; and 4 week period comprising of a different thriller each week.
On stage the setting of a murky Victorian London was well done, complete with the fog I’ve come to expect Victorian London was always shrouded in in real life. It certainly added to the sinister feeling throughout the duration of the performance.
Whilst not wanting to spoil the experience for anyone planning on seeing this show, the play begins with the murder of a person who has the misfortune of accidentally bumping into Mr Hyde on the streets and who gets trampled and beaten to their untimely demise. The play then continues as we follow the main character of the story and friend of Dr. Jekyll, the brilliantly played Gabriel Utterson, as he quests to discover the identity of the murderer; this mysterious Mr Hyde.
Analysis of the Jekyll and Hyde story interprets it as representing the inner conflict of humanity’s sense of good and evil and in particular the duality of human nature and of the concept that good and evil exists in all. My analysis of this play is that it’s a gripping and entertaining portrayal of this classic tale and an enjoyable night out.
The Crime Thriller Season continues with Night Must Fall this week, Suddenly at Home next week and Stage Struck 24th – 29th August. Tickets available from: www.trch.co.uk
Review by James Toomey
