REVIEW: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde at the Parabola Arts Centre

Cheltenham

Tonight, I saw Grove Productions' Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde at the Parabola Arts Centre, a striking Grade II regency villa. Refreshments were served from a modest but sufficiently stocked bar, and guests were warmly welcomed by those hosting the evening’s entertainment. I was especially delighted to see the auditorium is an intimate setting with great views and comfortable seating for all.

 

I was also struck by the simplicity of the stage that was paired back to key elements which were to be used effectively by the cast. Keen to see the production I dove into a programme packed full of information on the cast and the origins of the adaptation – the creation of Joy-Amy Wigman.

As I am sure you have guessed the production was adapted from the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, a Gothic horror novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, published 139 years ago! The inspiration for the original tale came in the form of John Hunter, an 18th century Scotsman with a keen interest in anatomical studies and a habit of collecting bodies via an unmarked door.

Stevenson’s work unravels in a manner that is quite different from tonight’s version, with the Wigman adaptation focusing on the story from the point of view of Gabriel Utterson, Dr Jekyll’s lawyer and good friend, and his acquaintance Richard Enfield.

 

Performances

The performances were true to Stevenson’s work, with the script utilising the language of the time and the actors convincingly giving their characters gravitas by being very precise in their communication and movements around the stage. Each person played a significant role in the telling of the story. Stephen Santouris (Dr Jekyll) and Lucy Wordsworth (Mr Hyde) effectively depicted a person torn between good and evil by their own scientific experimentation. They were adept at using physical and vocal shifts to portray themes of human nature and morality. Together they explored the transformation and the capacity of an individual to succumb to dark impulses driven by desire. In addition, Moa Myerson (Utterson), Alex Lake (Enfield), Joy-Amy Wigman (Lanyon), Joseph Harradine (Poole), Corrina McDermott (various) and Lauren Holland (various), were extremely versatile at moving the story forward and creating the feel on Victorian London.

Victorian London was depicted through scenic elements (like streetlights, a desk, doors, and a ‘mirror’) coupled with expertly choreographed scene changes, atmospheric audio effects, fogging and seamless intentional lighting. The minimalist approach helped to tell the story, while allowing the cast to shine and momentum to stay consistent. The result is dramatic to say the least.

Atmospheric audio effects

The sound effects throughout the production change seamlessly to suit the current scene, moving, for example, from a street scene and the sound of horse drawn carriages to the drawing room of a building and the crackle of the fire. Accompanying the sound effects is a music score that adds to situations where there is calm and the drama of psychologically thrilling scenes.

Fogging and seamless intentional lighting

The lighting works very well with the sound elements, using tonal shifts of blue, amber and red to signal an emotional transition in mood. Spotlights starkly highlight individuals’ isolation, while eerie mists enhance the mysterious Victorian setting.

 

Overall

What struck me from the get-go was the slickness of the production, with all aspects creatively drawing the viewer in. I easily plunged into the world of Jekyll and Hyde thanks to the ambience that was created by the actors, lighting, use of props, and environment-specific sound. It was simply wonderful! It was great to see a production driven by scenography and actors alone – without the need for anything too flamboyant. I would recommend going and seeing Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Grove Productions.

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde at the Parabola Arts Centre is playing until Saturday 1st November (TICKETS HERE), or at St Mary de Crypt, Gloucester from Wednesday 19th through to Friday 21st November (TICKETS HERE).

Review by Julia

 

 

The Mystery Reviewer

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