Jekyll and Hyde

USER (17Nov04): Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 16 November 2004 UK Productions and Paul Nicholas must be congratulated on mounting this UK Premier and long running national tour of the Broadway success, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’. The original 1997 Broadway production ran for four years and has been a success all over the world. The book and lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse with music by Frank Wildhorn. I was unable to attend the UK opening at Eastbourne in August but have been eagerly awaiting the musicals arrival in Birmingham. Right from the start and even before you sit in your seat the atmosphere is set by a misty fog across the auditorium and back come memories of the first time you read Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale upon which the show is based. Paul Nicholas gives a strong and assured performance as Dr Henry Jekyll as he investigates the concept of their being good and evil in all mankind. His transformation to the demonic Edward Hyde is cleverly achieved without elaborate makeup but mainly by posture, voice and effective lighting. He has many musical numbers but ‘This is the Moment’ is his best. His voice fits the part perfectly and this is a ‘tour de force’ for the man most often associated with lighter roles. As with many musicals this is a team effort and it works well throughout but there are a number of standout performances particularly Louise Dearman, who excels as the ill-fated Lucy Harris. She also has a number of moving musical numbers such as ‘Bring on the men’, ‘Sympathy, Tenderness’ and ‘Dangerous Game’ a poignant duet with Paul Nicholas. Shona Lindsay is also in impressive form and looks stunning as Jekyll’s fiancée Lisa Carew. Her strong performance of ‘Take me as I am’ with Paul Nicholas in Act 1 sets the scene for much of what is to follow. Of the male cast Chris Coleman as Spider comes across as just the kind of person you would not want to meet on a dark night in the 1800s! Jekyll & Hyde is in the tradition of great theatre with a touch of Todd Slaughter and a similar mix of macabre and fun and follows in the footsteps of ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘The Phantom of The Opera’. The sets are fairly basic but it is the actors, excellent lighting and music that create the atmosphere and combined with the powerful and emotional score make this a most memorable evening out. The wait was worth it and if you fancy something a little different you will certainly get that at the Alex this week. Clive Fuller

USER (08Oct04): I thought it was very panto, The music was great and the singing. I wasnt convinced with Paul Nicholas as the lead