UK Theatre Network

The Strange History Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde at the New End Theatre is one of the best one man shows to be seen in London this year, and is not to be missed.

Performed just a stone’s throw from the home where R.L. Stevenson originally created his 1886 novella, it seems fitting that this spine-chilling story is staged at Hampstead’s former mortuary.

Dr Jekyll is an ordinary and gentle man who explores his darker side by creating a home-made drug that releases an uncontrollable monster who terrorises London.  It shows the psychological struggle of a man who, having once liberated his sensuality, then struggles to control it.

The script by Iain Macfarlane and directed by his alter ego Iain Ormsby-Knox, has been edited down to great effect. It is essentially an actor’s piece, and although only 40 minutes long, the precise adaptation gives Norwegian-born performer Jorn-Bjorn Fuller-Gee, a dream opportunity to show off his considerable talents. Oozing charisma, he is totally memorising as he uses physical acting and vocal skills to transform himself from the cultured Doctor Jekyll to the hairy, claw-handed monster Mr Hyde.

In this low budget, minimalist set production there are no special effects, and clever use of lighting and sound create atmosphere.  It is a nice reminder that back to basics theatre still exits.

The Strange History Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde has deservedly won multiple awards in Canada and Europe.  The normally reserved audience of the New End gave it thunderous applause. Catch this theatrical treat while you can as it only plays until 8^th May.

OLIVER VALENTNE                             Bookings: 08700332733