Jekyll and Hyde

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a play that explores the themes of male violence, guilt, and privilege. It premiered at Derby Theatre in 2022 and was directed by Sarah Brigham. The play is written for an ensemble and features several key roles for women, making it appealing to any theatre or company looking to thrill their audiences with a bold new take on the classic tale.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

A series of random nocturnal assaults in the back streets and alleyways of Victorian London are spreading fear and panic. Meanwhile, the friends of a highly respected doctor are beginning to wonder why he goes missing on exactly the same nights…

Neil Bartlett's inventive, brilliantly theatrical adaptation cuts right to the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson's darkly fascinating tale of male violence, guilt, and privilege. It premiered at Derby Theatre in 2022, directed by Artistic Director Sarah Brigham, before transferring to Queen's Theatre Hornchurch. Written for an ensemble and with several key roles for women, this adaptation will appeal to any theatre or company looking to thrill their audiences with a bold new take on this classic tale of murder and mayhem.

The play opens in a small, cramped apartment in London's East End, where a group of friends are gathered for a dinner party. The host, Dr. John Watson, is a highly respected physician who has been missing for several nights on the same nights that the assaults have been taking place. His friends are concerned for his safety and begin to investigate the matter, unearthing a web of secrets and lies that threatens to destroy their lives.

As the investigation unfolds, the friends discover that Dr. Watson has been involved in a series of nocturnal assaults on women in the area. He has been drugging and raping them, and his victims have been too afraid to come forward. The friends are horrified by the discovery and are determined to bring Dr. Watson to justice.

However, their quest for justice is complicated by the fact that Dr. Watson is a highly respected member of the community. He has many friends and allies who are willing to defend him, and the police are reluctant to investigate him further. The friends must navigate a complex web of social and political pressures, as they try to bring Dr. Watson to account for his crimes.

The play is a powerful exploration of male violence, guilt, and privilege. It raises important questions about the role of men in society and the consequences of their actions. Bartlett's adaptation is masterful, with a tight script and a talented ensemble of actors who bring the characters to life with depth and complexity.

The play's setting in Victorian London adds to the sense of intrigue and danger. The back streets and alleyways of the East End are dark and seedy, and the characters are forced to navigate a world of secrets and lies. The play's use of lighting and sound design creates a sense of tension and suspense, as the characters are constantly on edge, waiting for the next attack.

Overall, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a must-see play for anyone who loves theatre. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of male violence, guilt, and privilege, and it is brought to life with skill and passion by a talented ensemble of actors.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839041235
Edition number: stage version