It’s a classic tale of good versus evil; an enduring story originally penned by Robert Louis Stevenson. Exactly 130 years after the great wordsmith wrote the novella, productions of the musical version of Jekyll and Hyde are helping to keep this glorious story’s legacy alive.
Though the musical didn’t debut until over a century after the story was written, it has become one of the most performed shows by amateur groups. Bournville Musical Theatre Company treads where many have before and holds its own with the very best of them in this refined production. Phil Snowe impresses as Jekyll, handling what is a very demanding leading man part commendably. The transition between Dr Jekyll and his vicious alter ego Hyde is distinct and believable with the constant struggle between good and bad coming across well as the genius Jekyll’s increasingly risky experiments to expunge all evil from the world go badly wrong. Chloe Turner is mesmerising as a show-stealing Lucy Harris, another of the story’s tragic figures who dreams of a life much better than the one she has at the Red Rat brothel. Turner is note perfect in a beautiful rendition of Someone Like You and when you think it can get no better dazzles further in A New Life. Her characterisation and poise are a delight to watch and wouldn’t look out of place on a professional stage. It’s a credit to the quality of the society that Claire Brough, as Jekyll’s long-suffering fiancée Emma Carew, has equally impressive vocals; combining beautifully with Turner’s in a rendition of In His Eyes which brings the house down. Adam Heeley is wonderfully sleazy and menacing as the pimp and proprietor of the Red Rat, Spider. Meanwhile John Clay stands out in a number of high-quality supporting roles as the majorly General Glossop. Kris Evans and John Morrison have suitable gravitas as Simon Stride and Sir Danvers Carew, while Jonathan Eastwood and Jill Hughes are wickedly upper class as Lord Savage and Lady Beaconsfield. Despite the best efforts of Jekyll’s friend John Utterson (Rob Wheeler) Jekyll becomes more and more consumed by his experiments and the grizzly story reaches its climax with Snowe’s impressive rendition of The Confrontation. The production's chorus members are a credit to the society in a show which requires every member to have an on-stage persona. The harmonies were excellent throughout and the energy never drops; Girls of the Night is a particular highlight. Sadie Turner’s choreography is sharp, compact and well-executed, particularly in numbers like Facade and Murder. An atmospheric set transports the audience back to Victorian England and well-executed lighting helps the action move on at pace, with a few small hitches with the sound dropping out - not enough to detract from the action. Meanwhile Chris Corcoran's band ably belts out what must surely be one of the all-time great musical soundtracks. Director Terry Wheddon and his team can rest assured this thoroughly engaging production does Stevenson’s classic justice.
Oli Degan
22/4/2016 12:13:58 pm
What can I say, blown away last night at the Crescent theatre watching Bounville theatre doing Jekyll and Hyde. Such an emotive and powerful show, murders looked so realistic the stage and set looked great and the sound coming from the cast brilliant, great venue, great cast, great leading man, great show.
Gary Thompson
22/4/2016 12:43:19 pm
Supported BMTC for a number of years and seen a lot of their shows but this tops them all in my opinion. A powerful and challenging subject and I could imagine difficult to do. Tremendous casting and hats off to Phil who took on this huge role and just delivered it. A huge voice, great acting and an amazing transformation scene, Jekyll completely disappeared and out came Hyde and he was frightening. Not forgetting Chloe and Claire who were just sublime and shone brightly when they came on stage, the chorus added to the depth BMTC have and the cast should be very proud of this. Best show I have seen this year by far, a well-deserved standing ovation.
Rebecca Bennet
22/4/2016 01:26:52 pm
Didn’t expect that!! From the moment the curtain went up my husband and I were captivated, a tremendous production and the leading man was fantastic, how he remembered all of that I have no idea. He really put both Jekyll and Hyde across so convincing and that song at the end when he is both people was incredible. The girls song together made me cry they were also brilliant.
Sue Madders
22/4/2016 02:01:38 pm
You must come and see this show, I have supported BMTC for their last 5 shows and this was outstanding. Phil who played Mr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was superb, such a powerful voice and so different between to the two characters he must be exhausted after the show. The leading ladies, Chloe and Claire played brilliant roles opposite Jekyll and Hyde and the 3 were just so believable. The singing from the cast matched them, loved bring on the men song, the energy and dancing in the Red Rats scene was great. A super company production they must all be proud of. Please support and come and see this show
Linsey Ballinger
22/4/2016 02:07:38 pm
Absolutely brilliant show! The whole thing start to finish was amazing and the people in it looked, sounded and were just stunning!
Kate Summer
22/4/2016 03:07:46 pm
This is a gem, what an amazing story put to a musical. I was not aware of how powerful the music was. I must agree whole heartily with your review, I saw the show last night and the whole cast were outstanding but credit to Chloe and Lucy you mentioned just brilliant but Phil was incredible such command and played the two parts outstandingly and the audience lifted the roof at the end when he appeared and rightly so, what a great evening thank you.
Beckie barlow
22/4/2016 04:42:51 pm
Re Jekyll and Hyde. Went to see this last night and frankly I could have been in the west end! The entire cast were amazing with some incredibly talented performances by the three leads. Phil Snowe adaptation of the character was totally on point and handled the role brilliantly as did Lucy. Really would recommend to anyone to go and see - congratulations to all!
Tracey Blest
22/4/2016 05:05:43 pm
Talent shone in BMTC’s performance of J & H last night. Jekyll, Emma and Lucy’s voices were superb and well supported by an energetic and enthusiastic cast creating a fabulous performance, I’d give it 5 *, best yet I’ve seen you all do xx
Jacquline Green
23/4/2016 11:18:51 am
BMTC exceeded expectations again. What a great performance by the leading man who captivated the audience with a compelling transformation of good and evil. The two leading ladies were marvellous along with the whole cast. A great night out and a must see show Comments are closed.
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