Tread the Boards deliver outstanding production of Robert Louis Stevenson classic
- Charles Essex
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Performed at The Attic Theatre, Stratford upon Avon, from18 October to 2 November.
Review by Charles Essex
There have been several versions of Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic horror short story The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, so it was ambitious of Tread the Boards (TTB) to put this on as a theatre production. Yet it was the very nature of their small intimate venue, together TTB’s superb acting and technical skills, that made this an 11 out of 10 creation.
As audience members entered the theatre, they were immediately unnerved by sinister ushers Emily Tietz and George Ormerod ominously studying them. Throughout Emily and George were narrators, sometimes using torches to eerily light their faces in the darkness, as well as demonic provocateurs to Dr Jekyll. Their slow movements and measured bearing made them even more daunting. They effortlessly took other several minor roles as domestic staff, police officers and a privileged MP.
Initially cultured and restrained as he talked with his friends Gabriel (John-Robert Partridge) and Dr Lanyon (Phil Leach), Dr Jekyll (Rob Keeves) was a man of science. However he became obsessed with the belief that all creatures had capacity for good and evil. His desire to be God-like and manipulate the manifestation of that led to him experimenting on himself with chemical formulations to reveal the evil rather than the good. This was Rob’s best performance at The Attic. His transformation to Mr Hyde was niftily done by Rob removing his hair-tie to loose a wild hair style, with authentic tormented movements of his whole body.
Dr Jekyll took working class Maria (Rosie Coles) under his wing, with obvious tenderness from him and gratitude from Maria, contrasted with Mr Hyde’s threats and violence and Maria’s fear. They both played these scenes with emotional intensity. However, Dr Jekyll had become addicted to being Hyde, and although he abstained for a year, an assault on Maria led him to once more become the now murderous Mr Hyde.
John-Robert and Phil gave their characters refined and authentic sensibilities for their friend’s welfare, as he became increasingly detached from reality and their suspicions and fears were aroused.
Adam Clarke’s set design was outstanding. On The Attic’s small stage there was well stocked laboratory, desk, chair, and fireplace. With a simple manoeuvre the fireplace became the mortuary slab. Kat Murray’s lighting and sound design were better than first class. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the background was a subtle touch. Clever direction by John-Robert staged the murder scene in total darkness with screams, shouts and spraying water to represent the blood splattering – the cast did well not to collide with each other or the props.
This was an exceptional production. All the cast were faultless, and Rob’s portrayal of a man rent by inner anguish was magnificent. Students studying this book for their exams should not hesitate to see this wonderful TTB performance.
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