An evocative tale of romance and the epic battle between good and evil, Jekyll & Hyde is a 1990 musical loosely based on the 1886 novella The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s a classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personality create a murderous counterpart. Convinced the cure for his father’s mental illness lies in the separation of Man’s evil nature from his good, Dr. Henry Jekyll unwittingly unleashes his own dark side, wreaking havoc in the streets of late 19th century London as the savage, maniacal Edward Hyde.Originally conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, it features music by Frank Wildhorn, a book by Leslie Bricusse and lyrics by all of them.
After a world premiere run in Houston, Texas, the musical embarked on a national tour of the United States prior to its Broadway debut in 1997. Many international productions in various languages have since been staged including two subsequent North American tours, two tours in the United Kingdom, a concert version, a revamped US tour in 2012, a 2013 Broadway revival, an Australian concert version in 2019 and, now, we will be performing it to rapturous audiences from Wednesday 24th April until Saturday 27th April 2024.
The Creative Team
James Fortune – Director
Amy Bryce – Musical Director
Here is a video I made that contains most of the wonderful music from the show …
Photo Gallery
(Click on an image to see an enlargement and a slideshow)
The Wonderful Cast
| ROLE | ACTOR |
|---|---|
| Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde | Wayne Byrom |
| Lucy Harris | Sarah Crow |
| Emma Carew | Victoria O’Mahoney |
| Gabriel John Utterson | Mark Hunter |
| Sir Danvers Carew | Michael Crow |
| Simon Stride | Kevin King |
| The Bishop of Basingstoke | Ian Cannell |
| General Lord Glossop | Paul Cox |
| The Honourable Frances Proops | Marie Pennock |
| Lady Beaconsfield | Anne Crow |
| Mrs Mavis Savage, DCVO | Emma Sydes |
| Nellie – Madam of Red Rat Club | Donna Hunter |
| Polly – Owner of Red Rat Club | Wendy Tyler |
| Poole , a Housekeeper | Joan Cannell |
| Newsboy | Charlie Irwin |
| Bissett, an apothecary | Terry Irwin |
| Ensemble | Joan Cannell, Iain Cannell, Andy Bloomfield, Martine Stannard, Rebecca Wilkes, Claire Papworth, Terry Irwin, Charlie Irwin, Sara Giaccotto |
NODA Review
Group: Molesey Musical Theatre
Show: Jekyll and Hyde
Venue: Cecil Hepworth Theatre, Walton-on-Thames
Date: 25th April 2024
Director: James Fortune
Musical Director: Amy Bryce
The stage was very plain and bare but the excellent lighting decorated it beautifully. There were good, crisp pools surrounding groups and individuals and the atmospheric downlighting was delightful.
Sound effects were plentiful and well-presented and the voices were amplified to keep up above the band.
This were ably led by MD Amy Bryce and gave a very attractive, period sound throughout the performance.
There was a colourful and appropriate selection of costumes and a good array of props that helped set the scenes and were used smoothly and effectively. Scene changes were carried out efficiently, but were sometimes too visible and that could be a distraction.
Wayne Byrom was outstanding as Jekyll/Hyde. He had a good, strong singing voice and believably portrayed a range of physicality for the two very different characters. The song Confrontation, however, was perhaps a bridge too far ? Difficult for anyone to realistically flick back and forth so quickly … and the wig wasn’t helping matters. Nevertheless, Wayne did a superb job.
Lucy (Sarah Crow) gave an excellent performance, exhibiting both innocence and breathtaking sensuality and a glorious singing voice.
Victoria O’Mahoney played Emma so well, with beautiful singing and a warm, affectionate characterisation.
Mark Hunter gave a fine, avuncular performance as John Utterson. His constant, calm dignity and loyalty was the perfect foil for Jekyll’s febrile nature.
Michael Crow gave good depth to the character of Sir Danvers. He carefully balanced his love of his daughter, Emma, with support for his protégé … all whilst managing the self-seeking Board of Governors.
Poole, played by Joan Cannell, was excellent … she was both subservient to Jekyll and exasperated by his strange behaviour.
At VERY short notice, Jonathan Paine took over the role of Simon Stride and performed it very creditably.
Iain Cannell, as the Bishop of Basingstoke, demonstrated a fine talent for depravity, whilst Paul Cox, as General Glossop, was every inch the military man. They and Anne Crow, Emma Sides and Marie Riordan all died bloodily and hilariously at the hands of Mr Hyde.
Donna Hunter and Wendy Tyler added spice to The Red Rat and Charlie Irwin was a confident Newsboy, announcing horror after horror.
All of the singing was delightful … solos, duets and Ensemble.
Your director, James Fortune, is to be congratulated for creating such an impressive and enjoyable show
with such a short schedule.
You are ALL to be praised for your excellent work; and, especially, as you were having to cope with sickness.
Thank you for a delightful evening.
Graham Botterill
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