Review: Jekyll and Hyde *****

The fascination with the dark side of the human personality is as intriguing today as it was in Victorian times.

So its hardly surprising that over the years Robert Lewis Stevenson’s classic tale The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde has been played out as a drama, three films and now a smash hit Broadway musical.

In the stage play and film versions, the evil that lurks inside Henry Jekyll manifests itself in the portrayal of Edward Hyde as a terrifying monster with sadistic and murderous behaviour. But in Martin Connor’s production of the musical we see him more as an exciting, but dangerous, human being, exposing the frightening extremes of his dual personality.

Connor’s production is intense, dramatic and gloriously gothic. Yet despite starting with a chilling scene inside a frightening Victorian hospital, the mood in Act 1 is lifted by the musical numbers.

Bitch, Bitch, Bitch, takes a humorously scathing look at Victorian society with stylised movements portrayed to perfection, while Bring on the Men is a well choreographed, saucy and energetic routine by the ladies of ill repute!

One does not normally associate strong, dramatic roles, like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, played in the past by some of the greatest stage and screen actors, with a former pop star like Marti Pellow. However, it worked and despite a rather weak start his performance grew in strength, especially during the powerful hit song of the show, This is the Moment and became one of sheer brilliance.

Jekyll and Hyde may be regarded as a one-man show but without a strong supporting cast it can fail miserably – and this is where this production scores with its highly talented cast.

In Sarah Earnshaw’s long suffering fiancée there is sweetness and light coupled with a fine soprano voice. While Sabrina Carter as Lucy, the prostitute, has the right mix of passion, fear and hopelessness and is amazingly powerful in the vocals.

With a fine company of performers, Jekyll and Hyde is a unique theatrical experience and one not to be missed.

To July 30.