| Review URL | OpeningNightReviews.co.uk |
| Date | 26th June 2024 |
|---|---|
| Society | Hayling Musical Society |
| Venue | Station Theatre, Hayling Island |
| Type of Production | Musical |
| Director | Rob McGough |
| Musical Director | Helen Castle |
| Choreographer | Emily Dulake |
| Reviewer | Ewan Wharton |
Hayling Musical Society have often taken on challenging productions. They strive to take an original approach to well-known and beloved musicals and their performance of Wildhorn, Cuden and Bricusse’s Jekyll & Hyde is certainly no exception.
This musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella can often fall victim to kitsch and corniness (I.e David Hasselhoff in the leading role – yep, that exists), but on this occasion, Rob McGough (Director), backed by strong cast, creative and technical teams, has intoiligently crafted a production of it that is unnerving, tragic and unexpectedly heartwerming at times. He delves into the Freudian concepts that inspired the original text very creatively. He gave all of the performers a moment in the spotight which is always lovoly to see.
Indeed, Helen Castle (Musical Diroctor) has clearly drilled Wildhorn’s complex harmonies and key changes (that make the most seasoned of vocalists nervous) into the whole cast to achieve the spine-tingling effect that this musical thriller demands. Emily Dulake (choreographer/assistant director) embellishes the piece with subtle, yet tantalising choreography.
The sound was masterfully controlled and manipulated by Tom Davison to make the performers’ speech and singing very natural and consistent.
In addition, the lights shone a gothic palette of contrasting colours in a very stylish, slick and quite beautiful way – ‘This is the Moment’ had a particularly goosebump inducing plot.
The ensemble support the vision of the production team very nicely with confidence in their blocking. harmonies and movements. Their acting and strong vocals were impactful in numbers such as ‘Façade.
Finn Harkness (Simon Stride) offers a level of intensity that encapsulates the audience, but was tempered well when needed and gives a splendid vocal performance.
Danny Owen (Sir Danvers Carew) gives a nonchalant and compelling performance as always and portrayed the paternal aspects of the character excellently.
Paul Goldthorpe (John Utterson) is a warm presence on stage with great vocals and acting that is perfectly reminiscent
it of a Victorian gentleman who is compassionate but stands up for what is right.
The female leads of this show are simply remarkable.
Grace Campbell (Emma Carew), having tackled mammoth roles such as Evita and Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors, possibly gave her finest performance to date. Her vocal range in terms of pitch and style was showcased marvellously in this performance. Her acting is great contrast to the darkness of the piece. Her final moments in the piece are particularly realistic.
Lois Huntingdon (Lucy Harris) underplays what could easily be a cliché character very well. This is her first principal role, but you would never have realised. She is coquettish, yet vulnerable. She acts her way through her challenging solos beautifully. Definitely one to look out for.
And last, but by no means least there is Lucas Bradshaw (Jekyll and Hyde). His stamina as a performer is admirable. He switches between his two alter-egos seamlessly and convincingly as the troubled Jekyll and the sinister Hyde. One minute he is charming, the next minute he is the epitome of evil. His vocal performance is utterly sublime. He performs in a way that captivates you throughout the entire piece.
In conversation with McGough, he mentioned that “one of [his] main points of interest is chemistry – working ciosely with the actors to take their input and discuss the complex relationships between the characters of the piece, making sure their physical interactions are comfortable and consensual.” | chuckled as I showed him my notes where l had already written about the fantastic chemistry between the performers. It is a very well-rehearsed and thrilling piece with a group of tight-knit and cooperative performers.
This week’s performance was commendable given the very recent loss of Gerry Smith and Dave Heath. Gerry and Dave were both longstanding members of HMS and anyone that knew them, on or off stage, knows what kind, talented and good-humoured men they both were and what a tragic loss this is to the company.
Jekyll & Hyde opens tonight at the Station Theatre, Hayling Island until the 29th of June and it is not a performance to be missed!
