A familiar tale told from a different and charming perspective.
This week, the Royal Lyceum Theatre showcases a captivating reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless tale in “Jekyll and Hyde,” by writer Gary McNair. McNair navigates the challenge of breathing new life into a well-known narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the classic story. The production, steered by an exceptionally talented creative team, coalesces into a theatrical experience that demands attention and warrants attendance.
In the realm of solo performances, where the risk of underwhelming the audience looms large, Forbes Masson holds strong, seizing the role of Gabriel Utterson, Dr. Jekyll’s lawyer and confidant, with finesse. McNair’s approach to present Stevenson’s events from Utterson’s perspective is a clever choice, and Masson rises to the occasion, captivating the audience throughout the compact and pacy 70-minute performance.
The synergy of staging by Max Jones, sound design by Richard Hammarton, and lighting by Richard Howel contributes significantly to the production’s overall impact. The strategic use of “Law and Order” style sound bites, coupled with moody lighting and well-timed blackouts, creates a palpable tension, fostering an intimate ambiance within the auditorium.
Masson deserves commendation for his character work, eliciting chuckles not from explicit comedy but from his affable portrayal of Utterson. His ability to draw the audience into the narrative makes one ponder how a character of such apparent virtue becomes entangled in the seedy underbelly of London’s back alleyways.
While the production excels in many aspects, the ending leaves room for critique. The closing statements, rooted in the familiarity of the well-known story, fail to deliver a novel perspective. The exploration of the inner monster, the duality of man, and the acknowledgment of inherent evil, though always compelling themes, lacks the innovative touch needed to render it truly impactful. McNair’s challenge lay in finding a new discourse or injecting a more shocking element into a story whose ending is already known to much of the audience.
In essence, “Jekyll and Hyde” at the Royal Lyceum Theatre stands as a commendable venture into the familiar, guided by an accomplished cast and creative team. While its ending may not break new ground, the production’s strengths lie in its innovative narrative perspective, impeccable technical execution, and Masson’s captivating portrayal.
Running at the Royal Lyceum Theatre until 27th Jan then touring the following theatres in a Lyceum produced run:
Perth Theatre
Wed 31 Jan – Sat 3 Feb
Dundee Rep
Wed 7 Feb – Sat 10 February
Macrobert Arts Centre
Thur 15 Feb – Sat 17 Feb