Jekyll and Hyde
Lace Market theatre 7/3/22
It is with a deep shame that I must admit that tonight is the first time I have ventured to the Lace Market theatre. Long have I wanted to go off the beaten track and tucked away in Lace markets’ narrow streets is an unassuming diamond waiting for you to notice its sparkle. Informal and inviting we are seated in for tonight’s performance of Jekyll and Hyde. One of the most enduring stories of our time. My curiosity is piqued as this is a continuation from the original. An almost fan fiction with women being at the forefront of the story in navigating the wants and desires whilst constricted in the buttoned down patriarchal world the newly widowed Mrs Jekyll finds herself in.
Smart and tight dialogue flows from the cast which is impressive considering opening night is usually the time where jitters can get the best of even the most thesped thespians yet here we are watching great dialogue delivered with meaning and purpose that pulls you in from the very beginning. This is testament to the professionalism of the cast and the direction of B Anthony who has created a moving and thought provoking piece.
Other mentions are to the fabulous Emily Shillan whose embodiment of the titular character(s) was a joy to watch seeing empowerment develop to boiling point was a real highlight for the audience. Also a mention for Luke Willlis’ portrait of Utterson, the investigator of these strange goings on was a powerful performance mentioned amongst the crowd in the interval and who strengthened into the second half and built and built as the drama unfolded -definitely a performer to watch out for in the future!
I found the telling of this version of Jekyll and Hyde so very refreshing to watch, this take (like all good art should) challenges views and asks uncomfortable questions that are often overlooked in a society that is often complicit in oppression of people without a voice to fight back. There’s also some good laughs running through it which provides a few grains of sugar whilst the medicine goes down. Again, the words of Evan Placey and the timing of the cast really hit home the humour which gave this performance charm as well as the gravitas to speak up about societal failures. I loved the gossip running between the society ladies and the pompous hilarity of the royal college were superbly done and the cast all really shone.
Jekyll and Hyde is selling fast (Tuesday is sold out already) if you can get there and support local theatre you won’t be disappointed. The performances run until Saturday and with this being the week that coincides with international women’s day I would strongly urge you to visit. I’m going again to watch the performance get better and better. The duality of that is ironic really, but this version of Jeykll and Hyde is something you really should watch twice.
Get your tickets here: https://lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/
Review by Edith Claymore
