The Strange Case of Jekyll & Hyde, Jack Studio Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until September 28, 2019


Ross McGregor offers a fascinating contemporary gloss on the age old questions explored by Robert Louis Stevenson. In both individuals and societies the capacities for violence and hatred coexist with those for love and empathy. How do we repress the former and bring forth the latter? What triggers or exacerbates the expression of one side of this duality over the other? Are the cause and the solution social or scientific? Political experiments like America, with its celebration of personal liberty and proliferation of guns, and scientific experiments resulting in "wonder" drugs and gene modification can have results quite contrary to initial expectations. Dr. Jekyll, the mayor of a small Indiana town is an emblem of both the scientific and social approaches to dealing with the duality of the human condition, and this work reflects the complexity of the question and the dubious nature of the answers. Jekyll is subtly and convincingly played by Will Pinchin in a strong performance that is never over done. He is supported by the excellent work of the rest of the cast. Christoper Tester as Edward Hyde is wonderfully sympathetic and suitably menacing depending on the situation. The optimism and naïveté of science is convincingly presented by Charlie Ryall's nerd, and Lucy Ioannou beautifully captures the cynical, yet hopeful, political spin doctor who has previously grappled with the two sides of human nature. Gabrielle Nellis-Pain is spot on as the sympathetic but shrewd prostitute, and she delivers some good one-liners with perfect timing. The production values are also first rate － the use of video and clever lighting is of a standard with much higher budgeted productions and the use of music is well-timed and effective. It all adds up to a thought-provoking night which no theatre lover should miss!

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until September 28, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm, Sep 21 & 28: 3:30 pm
Jack Studio Theatre
Nearest station: Crofton Park
https://brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/the-strange-case-of-jekyll-hyde/
Map & Location: 410 Brockley Rd, Brockley, London SE4 2DH, UK

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