Neil Barlett’s adaptation of the classic 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson novel ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ comes to Brighton Little Theatre as part of Brighton Fringe 2025, from the May 3 to 10. Expect a unique and captivating performance with excellent ensemble work, compelling set design and truly unsettling transformations by Jekyll/Hyde. Bartlett’s adaptation also aims to shed light on the often unheard female voices of the Victorian era, which is done with satisfying effect.
The Venue
Brighton Little Theatre lives up to its name, compactly tucked away off Western Road down some all-but-hidden stone steps in Clarence Gardens. Inside, the auditorium is fitted with classic red theatre seating, creating a vintage feel, and a very reasonably-priced bar with hot, cold, soft and alcoholic drinks, and snacks (including Magnums!) for before the show and during the interval. The stage is also compact, but made to feel spacious through some clever set design, alluding to off-stage unseen laboratories, dissection rooms, hospital wings and Victorian cobbled streets.
The Vibe
Directed by Leigh Ward, the production was inventive from the beginning, with outwardly respectable Victorian gentlemen entering the theatre, walking down the aisle through the audience, before taking their seats facing us onstage – immediately making us feel unsettled, perceived and immersed.
Joana Dos Passos as Dr Stevenson compellingly introduced us to this curious case, batting off patronising ‘Gentlemen’ witnesses and continually asserting her status as Dr, not ‘Miss.’ At the centre of the mystery was the brutal and mysterious attack on ‘Lady of the Night’ Katie Ford, who, alongside Matron Patti Griffiths, provided both comic relief and some deeply profound moments of self-assertion as women in an oppressive, patriarchal society.
The ensemble of gentlemen doubled as key witnesses, observers of the action and at times, Hyde’s psyche, mirroring his transformation with a range of growls, maniacal laughs and wide-eyed grins.
Daniel Carr played Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde exceptionally well, equally convincing as the well-respected, educated and charismatic Jekyll, and the violent, hedonistic and primal Hyde. His transformation between the two was captivating and deeply unsettling, as was his descent into instability across the play.
The Verdict
It was a real pleasure to witness this talented cast perform a creative adaptation to such a high standard, and fans of theatre, literature and a good old-fashioned gothic story will be sure to enjoy.
Jekyll and Hyde will be performed at Brighton Little Theatre on the 3rd 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th of May at 7.45pm, with additional matinee performances at 2.30pm on the 4th and 10th May.
Address: 9 Clarence Gardens, Brighton, BN1 2EG
Tickets: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/jekyll-and-hyde/
