What better place to stage a production of Jekyll and Hyde than the birthplace of Robert Louis Stevenson himself? Muchmuchmore Theatre’s imaginative take on Stevenson’s Gothic classic adopts a contemporary feminist perspective straight out of the Information Age.
The events of the play occur a year after the death of Dr. Jekyll, as he leaves behind his wife, the gentle and kind protagonist, Harriet Jekyll. As she continues on her husband’s scientific work, however, her ‘Hyde’ reveals itself, not as deformed and animalistic, but as an angry and calculated woman who takes social change to radical extremes by murdering misogynistic men. In a true crime twist, 19th century London collides with present-day as it becomes increasingly clear that the case of Harriet Jekyll and Lady Hyde is being written by 18-year-old Florence Monroe for her blog. Florence, in the present-day, is suffering from the trauma of sexual assault while being investigated by authorities for inciting violence as her writings connect her to the murder of a police officer.
Audiences are hooked by the parallel storylines and a fascinating premise breathes new life into the original story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The play probes at political radicalization through online spaces, even simulating online discourse, as characters across time contend with what it means to be a feminist. Like its source material, it questions the perceived moral dichotomy of good and evil.
Thematically, the play has much to say and this is where it begins to falter, biting off more than it can chew. At times, Jekyll and Hyde is clumsy and lacks cohesion. Between 19th century characters bursting into modern advertisements mid-dialogue in satire, and a lack of transitions into dance choreography, there is a resulting feeling of disjointedness. As a whole, Jekyll and Hyde stuffs too much into its runtime of one hour. Despite its weaknesses, performances from the young cast are commendable, notably Daisy Stott as Harriet Jekyll and Hayden Tierney as Gabriel Utterson. Ultimately, Jekyll and Hyde is ambitious with much potential, delivering a compelling examination of the play in the modern day.
Jekyll and Hyde is running until August 22 at theSpace at Venue 45
You can buy tickets here
Image provided by the company
