As a keen lover and connoisseur of Musicals, I have to say that 'Jekyll And Hyde' is in my top 10 favourites. Unlike Sondheim, whose music can sometimes be quite abrasive and difficult to both interpret and listen to [this coming from a confirmed fan of his music], Frank Wildhorn's scores are sweeping, harmonic, lyrical, and always ever so emotive, And when the book and lyrics are written by Musical Theatre legend Leslie Bricusse, it has to be a sure-fire winner. This dark and sinister tale of the familiar "legend" of a scientist at odds with the establishment, so hell-bent on creating a formula which will separate the evil and the good from an individual's persona, that he instead creates his own monstrous alter-ego, and in so doing, destroys everything he loves, making the ultimate sacrifice at the end.
TADLOP - Telford And District Light Operatic Players - presented this musical last week at the Telford Theatre.
Waiting in the bar area and in the auditorium both before the show and in the interval, patrons were subjected to some rather loud, obtrusive and modern music 'sounds', which were actually quite atmospheric and apt, but sadly too loud, and invaded our conversations and thoughts. The stage was an open set, a singular composite affair of rostra and scaffolding, with other set items brought in and out as required. Sometimes this did tend to slow the action down a little. In between the two sets of steps either side of the rear platform, several members of the ensemble sat behind a veil of thin black material. They were in costume, but had the vocal score in their hands, and sometimes were tasked in coming from their seats behind this see-through material to join the main chorus to fill out the stage. This I did not understand and found really rather strange.
The costume design for this production was Steam Punk. An odd choice, but since it was consistent and well thought-out throughout, it worked. Even Jekyll's work desk was given the Steam Punk treatment too.
Heading the cast was Reiss McSporran as the dedicated and strong-headed Dr Jekyll. This evening he seemed to be struggling with a cold and sore throat, and so vocally he was finding it difficult since he does carry much of the first half of the show. His alter ego was played this evening by a highly charismatic Nat Hodgkiss as Mr Hyde. For this reviewer at least however, he was far too good looking, suave, and commandingly dashing to be considered evil. Hodgkiss has great stage presence and a super voice, but we were unable to consider his behaviour or his demeanour as being truly evil.
Female love interest in provided for in abundance with two very confident and talented actresses. Jessica Hidgkiss was plaintive with a lovely soprano voice as Jekyll's fiance Emma Carew, whilst the larger role of prostitute Lucy was played with obvious attention to detail by Hannah Lister. Note to sound though... her microphone needed to be turned up a little to match the same volume as the other principals.
Other supporting roles were played by the company along with a talented ensemble, whose cumulative choral sounds were lovely. Both my companion and I remarked on the lovely voice and sympathetic portrayal of Sir Danvers Carew by Andrew Murray.
All in all, a solid and very competent production, performed with skill by an enthusiastic and dedicated team, and the end result was both exciting and enjoyable.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 21.10.23
on - 21.10.23
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