Jekyll and Hyde - Original Theatre Review

Reviewed by Hannah Gibb

“I’m not the good guy in this story. I’m not the villain, no, that role is clearly filled” - the intensity of Forbes Masson’s dialogue as he undergoes his one-man production of Jekyll and Hyde. Utterson, a friend of Dr Jekyll, says in his speech at the beginning that he is not the villain but likeable. Masson pulls the audience in and leaves them in wonder, full of intrigue. He is our narrator and explains the gruesome events that seem to be related to a cruel Mr Hyde. Utterson often compares Jekyll to Hyde and exclaims that Jekyll is an angel compared to Hyde, dismissing the idea that Jekyll and Hyde are one of the same. 
 
The ‘grotesque door’ is the focus point to begin with, although just a door, it makes one think of the meaning of it. Reminding me of the well-known phrase ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’, it reminds us that there are parts of people we see, we have grown accustomed too and we all have hidden parts that cannot be seen from the outside. 

Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic.

The original classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson retold by Gary McNair has a gripping hold on the audience for 70 minutes. Masson’s performance is truly a showcase of his talent, pulling the audience into the story and mixing this gripping tale one moment to easing off a little with some dark humour the next. He captivates the audience well with his characters, guiding them through good and evil, light, and dark, making the audience reflect on the valid meaning of this chilling story.

 
The staging is basic and minimalistic, although it adds to the retelling of the classic tale. 

Recently performed at Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh by the Reading Rep theatre production and now available to watch on Original Theatre Online: Originaltheatre.com