Style of the City attended the opening of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde last night at the New Theatre, Cardiff. It’s a darkly gothic adaptation that is perfect for these gloomy winter nights.
Nick Lane has adapted this classic Victorian novel into a touring stage production, performed by the Blackeyed theatre company. Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s original tale, Lane has created a thrilling show that subverts audiences’ expectations.
Doctor Jekyll is a well-respected man in his field. However, when his controversial experiments clash with the morals of his good friend Hastie, he takes drastic actions to make a world-changing breakthrough. Jekyll must wrestle with his feelings for Hastie’s wife Eleanor, and his inner Demon, Mr Edward Hyde.
Blake Kubena excels in the titular roles. His performance kept the audience gripped on every word. The three other cast members (Zach Lee, Paige Round and Ashley Sean-Cook) performed as multiple characters each. They made each character unique and memorable with performances that lit the stage around them.
The haunting score permeates the show, soaking the stage in a Gothic cloud that is nicely matched with the simple but inventive backdrop.
The new theatre is the perfect place for this play. It’s an enchanting venue that sets the scene for this Victorian thriller.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde runs from 9th to the 13th of November 2021 at the New Theatre, Cardiff.
Tickets can be purchased at https://newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
