Quality fit-up shows like this one, thankfully, are having a healthy impact in attracting new audiences to less commercial theatre locations.
The story of Jekyll and Hyde is a proven crowd puller but this all-action production is a masterpiece of drama, comedy, slapstick and amazingly energetic performances from the superb cast of just four. It’s high-powered from the opening scene and never relents.
The setting is a London pub, and the innovations and sound effects created from the traditional fixtures and fittings are quite stunning, particularly to depict a hilarious train journey to Scotland and back.
Scene changes come thick and fast and prove as enjoyable as the show itself. You actually look forward to the performers’ improvisations and the comments they make as they manically race around the stage moving props with exquisite timing. Some of the laboratory visuals are cleverly devised. The numerous changes of character are perfected in the blink of an eyelid.
Richard Latham, who plays five major characters, is so vital to this production. He scores in every contrasting role but I bet many will remember him most for his wonderful brief cameo of an ageing tart. William Hartley brings sheer perfection to both demanding title roles and Jennifer Bryden is so effective with her five major characters it’s hard to comprehend she’s the only woman in the show. Arthur James completes the marvellous cast and thrives on the many opportunities to prove his varied talents.
At times it’s delightfully bawdy and the visual comedy adds so much to the all-round entertainment. It’s the kind of production you long to see again - just in case you’ve missed something the first time around. There is so much to absorb and enjoy.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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