The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde At Lichfield Garrick Theatre Review

Reviewed by Liz

I was excited and intrigued to be invited back to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre to see ‘The Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, and was looking forward to being immersed in a powerful, gripping psychological fantasy, much in the same way I had been lured into Robert Louis Stevenson’s literary masterpiece. I had been giddied at the idea of “treating” my “dark side” as previous reviews had given unapologetic permission. Wonderous, thought provoking scenes with ‘unmissable’ theatre at the forefront of my expectations.

To say I was borderline ambivalent about the performance is an understatement. The disappointment that washed over me at the end of the show was that of a sense that it was time lost that I would not regain. The set was average with no definition between the ‘fog bound streets’ of London and the internals of the building, nor were there any distinguishing features between laboratory and home aside from a turning board. The distinction between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was so subtle and indeed uninteresting, that it was difficult to keep up with who Blake Kubena was playing, unless he displayed his idiosyncratic change within his performance. I feel that from my experience of the story itself that the changes within the Dr could have been more determining, maybe a suggestion of using both Jack Bannell and Blake Kubena to play the role in parallel would be more compelling. Adding a level of depth to the character other than his ability to walk without a cane and talk a little louder.

The acting and execution of the characters was well orchestrated during the slow motion scenes in particular. However, the costume design and interchangeability between each character was again undefined and a little simplistic.
Partially narrated by Zach Lee who also plays Gabriel Utterson (Hydes trusty Lawyer) draws on ones imaginative qualities and describes his surroundings he attempts to set the scene and create emphasis and atmosphere.
Paige Round was fantastic as Eleanor O’Donnell, albeit seemingly she was the main focus of this production. I found that our attention was predominantly on a love story that was barely mentioned in the book of which was noticed and condemned by other members of the audience. Maybe the production was supposed to be her perspective or that of the narrator. It’s unclear really as to who this production was actually about but it did not appear to be about Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde.

There was a single captivating moment where I was transfixed on the heartbreak, compassion and all-round pulchritude of Dr Hastings Lanyon (Ashley Sean-Cook). The willingness to allow the one person he loved the most to walk away from him and be gracious and humble in his approach to her inaccessible nature was that of sincerity and found myself emotionally attached to the couple for a moment. His vulnerability was both attractive and devastating and the kindness shown allowed me to fall in love with him in an instant.

The cast and crew have clearly worked very hard on their performance which can only be commended, although, I would have like more costumes for the male characters, a more innovative set and some more passion and power from the characters. I certainly did not have my dark side indulged by any stretch, “but you can’t win them all.”

I do recommend seeing the show if you are timid and are easily perturbed, it may ignite something within you. It may have you gripped and thrilled, disgusted and uneased but for me it’s just unfortunate that am not a wall flower or timid and I am not easily shocked or disgusted. My own dark side is darker than this performance of what I can only say is a significantly diluted version of what is and will remain to be incredible literary composition.

The Lichfield Garrick Theatre is an intimate venue that oozes warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. Both my son and my husband commented on how lovely and welcoming all the staff were, every member of the team was there to help no matter how big or small the request. I usually judge a venue based on cleanliness, helpfulness of staff and accessibility but most of all how expensive their tiny tubs of ice cream are. The Lichfield Garrick Theatre so far is top of my list for venues with a tub of ice cream only costing around £2.25, whereas, other venues charge double that.

The theatre is incredibly easy to access with a multi storey car park on Birmingham Road WS13 6FA road (height restricted to 1.9m) that is free of charge after 6.30 PM, and the train station only a few 100 yards down the road, making it one of the most accessible and cheapest venues I have attended to date.

Covid measures are not as stringent at the theatre as previously experienced, masks in the bars and foyer area are advised but no longer enforced. There is no need to show a covid pass and I did not see any hand sanitising facilities, but that may have just been where I was standing at the time.

Rating: 3/5

The Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is at the

Lichfield Garrick Theatre,
Castle Dyke, Lichfield,
WS13 6HR

From 23rd March – 24th March 2022, 2 shows a day, the show is approximately 2 hours long including interval.

Tickets costing from £22 and can be obtained here.

Tour Dates and other venues can be accessed here.