The story is a difficult one to successfully translate to stage, even though it has become a worldwide hit. It is, after all, a Victorian gothic novella, about the struggle between good and evil.
A packed theatre and a programme in hand- things looked great. But as the lights dimmed a voice heralded that the star "Marti Pellow would not be appearing in this afternoons performance"-- brilliant. A wave of disappointment hitting the crowd from the let down of "injured" wet wet wet star (however- understudy Martin Dickinson proved he was a leading man with strong tenor vocals and an outstanding performance as Jekylls alter ego Edward Hyde.
So the storyline you ask? Picture this-the lights dim on the theatre- cue Dr Henry Jekyl in an insane asylum talking about plans to help the ill to his comatose father. A black out suddenly and then the ensemble appear to sing "facade" the rich and poor of 19th century London describe how people act how they want others to see them, no matter who they really are inside (this is the basic premise of the entire play).
Afterward, Jekyll presents a research proposal to the Board of Governors of St. Jude's Hospital. When Jekyll proposes to test his theory and his formula on a human subject, they reject the proposal with cries of "sacrilege, lunacy, blasphemy, heresy", voting five to none. Later that night, the toast of society turns up at an engagement party, Emma- a young rich ladies engagement, to Dr. Jekyll. The bizzare lyrics of 'bitch-bitch-bitch' then play as Jekyll—late as usual—arrives just as everyone is leaving, and shares a moment with Emma. Though he is always busy with his work, Emma swears she will be beside him through it all. And cue the all too familiar male/female love song "Take Me as I Am". Sang reasonably well- so I clapped a little.
Jekyll and his close friend Utterson later go to a dingy pub known as the Red Rat for Jekyll's bachelor party. Lured in by ladies of the night we are introduced to second (and more talented) leading lady; Lucy. "Bring on the Men" is then performed a raunchy number that was well worth a foot tap or two. After the number, Lucy begins to circulate among the clientele, sent by her boss Spider to work her charm on Jekyll. Jekyll and Lucy are drawn to each other in a way that promises each of them a great friendship. Jekyll admits Lucy's song has helped him find the answer to his experiment. Utterson reemerges and Jekyll admits that he must be on his way. Before he goes, he gives Lucy his visiting card and asks her to see him should she ever need anything.
Yes- so far it is slow. And I dare say several people had drifted off by this point. This is in no way because of the cast- although there was something lacking in the female performers-- but the poor scripting of this first 20minutes led to this lagging feeling. However- things were about to change with the real grit of the story plucking up.
As Utterson and Jekyll arrive at the latter's residence, Utterson notices that Jekyll is in a better mood. Jekyll informs him that he has found a subject for his experiments. And as Utterson leaves Jekyll begins his potion brew- explaining through clever journal form that he himself will be the subject. After a minute of the potion's side effects, he writhes in pain, transforming into an evil form of himself- complete with top hat, cane and fur collared cape. He goes out and roams the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of London, comically stealing ice creams from children and including an encounter with Lucy. He gives himself a name: Edward Hyde. And sings about how alive he feels. Dickinsons performance excelled from this point- Hydes character is clearly where his best acting is found.
Dr Jekyll then hides himself away in his lab not to be disturbed- until- visiting card in hand, Lucy arrives at Jekyll's residence with a nasty bruise on her back. As Jekyll treats it, she tells him a man named Hyde did it. Jekyll is stunned by this revelation but hides it. Obviously in love with him, Lucy kisses Jekyll and sings- my personal favourite- Someone Like You- personally I feel she didnt do the song justice but it was no disaster.
Later, the Bishop, one of the men from the board of governors is seen with prostitute Nellie after having a meeting with one of her attendants, who is a minor. He pays Nellie and arranges to see the attendant next Wednesday. When Nellie and the attendant leave, Hyde appears. After insulting the Bishop, Hyde proceeds to beat and stab the former to death with a swordstick before gleefully screaming 'I am Edward Hyde' as the half way curtain falls.
A few moments, and a fair few ice creams later, the curtains raise and the citizens of London gossip about the Bishop's murder. The Carews, the four remaining Governors, and Utterson attend the Bishop's funeral at St. Paul's Cathedral, unaware that Hyde is also present. After the funeral, General Glossop and Lord Savage leave St. Paul's, mourning over their deceased colleague. Hyde corners Glossop and stabs him through the mouth with his sword stick. Another night, Lady Beaconsfield and a few friends are seen walking home. Hyde emerges from the shadows. Hyde snaps Bessie's neck with her own diamonds. And as the city reacts to the third and fourth murders, the Carews find a frantic Teddy at Victoria Station and learn that he is fleeing to Aberdeen. The Carews wish him a safe journey and return home. Hyde then appears, breaking Teddy's neck and kicking his corpse onto the train tracks. By now, all five Governors who rejected Jekyll's proposal are dead- and the ensemble sing Murder Murder!
Later that night, Emma lets herself into Jekyll's laboratory. She finds his journal open and reads one of his entries. Jekyll enters and immediately closes the journal, preventing her from learning what he has become. Emma can see he is distraught. She professes her love for him and begs him to confide in her singing a beautiful rendition of once upon a dream. He tells her nothing of his work, but says he still loves her. And as Emma leaves, Jekyll writes in his journal that Hyde has taken a heavy toll on him and those around him, and that the transformations are occurring without his taking the potion. We are taking to the bedrooms of both Emma and Lucy as they sing the beautiful duet 'In his eyes' while thinking about their love; Jekyll- this is probably the best the two leading ladies sang in the show and I did actually get goosebumps at this beautiful song.
Lucy is then visited by Hyde, who tells her that he is going away for a while. He then warns her to never leave him -- "ever". Lucy is terrified, but seems to be held under a sexual, animalistic control by Hyde and both characters embark in the actor-dreaded on stage sex scene while singing 'Dangerous Game'.
Utterson comes to Jekyll's lab with the rest of the chemicals and discovers Hyde, who informs him that the doctor is "not available" tonight. When Utterson threatens him with his swordstick, Hyde injects the formula into himself, roaring with laughter as he transforms back into Jekyll in front of Utterson. Jekyll tells Utterson that Hyde must be destroyed, whatever the cost. He then begs Utterson to deliver money for Lucy so she can escape to safety. As Utterson leaves, Jekyll mixes in chemicals and injects the new formula, praying that he can restore his former life.
What seems like moments later (but probably should have been weeks) Jekyll seems to have won as he and Emma stand before the priest at their wedding. As the Minister asks does anyone have any reasons why the couple should not be married, Jekyll doubles over in pain and transforms into Hyde. Hyde taking Emma hostage goes mad. But at the sound of Emma's pleading voice, Jekyll is able to regain momentary control. He begs Utterson to kill him, but Utterson cannot bring himself to harm his friend. Desperate, Jekyll impales himself on Utterson's sword stick. Jekyll dies. Evil wins.
To sum up Jekyll and Hyde I'd say: Dark, sexy and deliciously wicked- in equal measures, Jekyll and Hyde is all the drama of the classic gothic novella. Dickinsons understudy duties made him a star as the brilliant but obsessive scientist whose sadistic alter ego wreaks havoc across Victorian London in this poorly written but all be it musical sensational dark tale of love, redemption and the seductive power of evil.
Well done to the cast of Jekyll and Hyde!
-ZB
