Theatre / Reviews
Review: Jekyll & Hyde by Evan Placey and Robert Louis Stevenson, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘An innovative retelling of the gothic horror classic’
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s winter season has two thrilling plays on offer, the first being Evan Placey’s adaptation of the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
The original story, written in 1886, is still thought to be a defining gothic horror novella, with this adaptation acting as both a continuation and an innovative retelling.
Most of the first half focuses on Hattie Jekyll (a gripping Hafsah Godsil) continuing her husband’s work with his unique and transformative serum. Her other half, Lady Flossie Hyde, spends her nights at the local brothel, letting her inhibitions loose in stark contrast to the repressed Victorian nature of Jekyll.
is needed now More than ever
However, soon a tale of 21st-century radical feminism and internet culture begins to unravel, focused on 18-year-old Florence Monroe (Arabella Smith-James), who is writing her own retelling of Jekyll and Hyde.
The anachronisms peppering the first act begin small, with a brief and confused mention of the Gestapo, an organisation that didn’t appear until the 1930s. Then the sounds of phones and text message-style talk begins to creep in, culminating in a priest hilariously attacked by spam ads as he tries to give a sermon. I’ll admit to finding these out-of-time elements confusing and even annoying at first, but after the end of the Act 1 twist, I thought they were a great way to subtly add to the story without giving too much away.
While a connection between modern day feminism, internet culture, activism and the tale of Jekyll & Hyde might not be obvious, the material skillfully pulls it off with just the right level of tact.
Florence is the Jekyll in real life, studying her A-Levels and writing fan fiction while her true Hyde comes out online; a movement that loops back through time to the narrative she is writing.
The set design is strong, which is no mean feat when performing in the round, and the use of partially reflective mirrors is particularly powerful – allowing the audience to experience different angles of the action.
They also provide the perfect way in which to reflect the theme of duality, with Lady Hyde frequently staring into them. The reflective coating is just murky and flawed enough, creating distorted images of the actors.
The only nitpick about the staging was that sometimes I felt a bit restricted by the view. At one point Jekyll is trying to continue her husband’s experiments using scientific equipment, however, the entire scene was only visible to me through a view of the actor’s back, performed outward to the other side of the audience.
I think my favourite element of the show might just be the costumes. Perfectly prim Victorian garments feature throughout, but the design of the outfits worn by the brothel workers is amazing. While the elements are distinctly still Victorian, modern design choices and colour palettes dominate the stage, with my eyes constantly darting between them to fully take in their unique nature.
Although at times the acting in some of the lesser roles borders on the melodramatic, there are plenty of great performances on display, especially from Godsil and Smith-James as well as Kenan Vurgun, and a special mention to Nadia Kamalli, Noah Lukehurst and Mira Edirisingha who all impress.
Jekyll & Hyde is a great choice for fans of the original material, as well as those looking for a fresh, relevant take on a gothic classic.
Jekyll & Hyde by Evan Placey and Robert Louis Stevenson is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on November 4-11 at 7.30pm with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
All photos: Craig Fuller
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
