The Derbyshire Times REVIEW : Jekyll & HYDE, The Montgomery Theatre.
Full Company - Façade
Reviewed by: Gay Bolton
Published on Fri 24th April, 2015
As seductive as a busty hooker plying her trade, as addictive as a mind-blowing drug and as scary as a blood-thirsty beast prowling the streets, Jekyll & HYDE is a spellbinding musical.
Tortured souls trapped in a Victorian asylum claw the ground, clutch their blindfolded heads and reach out for help that isn’t there. While these poor creatures are safely locked away, a drug-crazed doctor is free to carry out his deadly experiment.
A nightmare story makes for a mesmerising show by Southey Musical Theatre Company in their 80th anniversary production at the Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield this week.
It’s a flawless creation from start to finish, with knockout characterisation, superb singing, eye-catching costumes and simple props used to maximum effect.
The company put their own spin on the story, transforming the doctor at the heart of the tale from composed, rational individual to demonstrative, angry character. Likewise, the depiction of Hyde as a cool, calm psychopath differs from the traditional view of an out of control murderer.
Mark Holmes is outstanding in the lead role of embittered doctor whose hope of experimenting on humans is rejected by hospital governors so he becomes the guinea pig for dangerous tests. A more powerful and compelling performance would be hard to find. Mark contorts his body and stumbles around in a terrific depiction of the drug taking hold. As he emerges into the alter-ego of Mr Hyde, he twists his face to symbolise the mask of the evil character. His signature song, 'This Is The Moment', expertly and powerfully performed, drew the first cheer from the audience at the performance last night (Thursday, April 23).
Other cheers followed for Mark’s real-life partner Gina Townend, in the role of Lucy, whose renditions of songs 'Someone Like You' and 'A New Life' lit up the stage. Her portrayal of the prostitute who charms Hyde yet is a casualty of the knife-wielding killer is compelling.
Contrasting Hyde’s woman of easy virtue from the school of hard knocks is Jekyll’s fiancée Emma, a beacon of purity from a high-class background. Jennifer Horsfield brings tenderness and a beautiful voice to the role of Emma, giving a magical performance of the songs 'Once Upon A Dream' and 'In His Eyes', the latter performed with Gina Townend.
Mark Harris gives a convincing performance as Jekyll’s level-headed pal John Utterson, acting as his conscience and the story’s narrator.
This production has all the elements for Southey’s best show in living memory. No wonder the audience gave it a standing ovation.
Special guests at last night’s performance included the national president of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, John Barnes, who later praised the company for its absorbing and powerful production.
Published on Fri 24th April, 2015
As seductive as a busty hooker plying her trade, as addictive as a mind-blowing drug and as scary as a blood-thirsty beast prowling the streets, Jekyll & HYDE is a spellbinding musical.
Tortured souls trapped in a Victorian asylum claw the ground, clutch their blindfolded heads and reach out for help that isn’t there. While these poor creatures are safely locked away, a drug-crazed doctor is free to carry out his deadly experiment.
A nightmare story makes for a mesmerising show by Southey Musical Theatre Company in their 80th anniversary production at the Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield this week.
It’s a flawless creation from start to finish, with knockout characterisation, superb singing, eye-catching costumes and simple props used to maximum effect.
The company put their own spin on the story, transforming the doctor at the heart of the tale from composed, rational individual to demonstrative, angry character. Likewise, the depiction of Hyde as a cool, calm psychopath differs from the traditional view of an out of control murderer.
Mark Holmes is outstanding in the lead role of embittered doctor whose hope of experimenting on humans is rejected by hospital governors so he becomes the guinea pig for dangerous tests. A more powerful and compelling performance would be hard to find. Mark contorts his body and stumbles around in a terrific depiction of the drug taking hold. As he emerges into the alter-ego of Mr Hyde, he twists his face to symbolise the mask of the evil character. His signature song, 'This Is The Moment', expertly and powerfully performed, drew the first cheer from the audience at the performance last night (Thursday, April 23).
Other cheers followed for Mark’s real-life partner Gina Townend, in the role of Lucy, whose renditions of songs 'Someone Like You' and 'A New Life' lit up the stage. Her portrayal of the prostitute who charms Hyde yet is a casualty of the knife-wielding killer is compelling.
Contrasting Hyde’s woman of easy virtue from the school of hard knocks is Jekyll’s fiancée Emma, a beacon of purity from a high-class background. Jennifer Horsfield brings tenderness and a beautiful voice to the role of Emma, giving a magical performance of the songs 'Once Upon A Dream' and 'In His Eyes', the latter performed with Gina Townend.
Mark Harris gives a convincing performance as Jekyll’s level-headed pal John Utterson, acting as his conscience and the story’s narrator.
This production has all the elements for Southey’s best show in living memory. No wonder the audience gave it a standing ovation.
Special guests at last night’s performance included the national president of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, John Barnes, who later praised the company for its absorbing and powerful production.
NODA Review: Jekyll & HYDE
Reviewed by: Mary Titterton (Regional Representative)
Where do I begin to extol the virtues of this superb production? It was certainly up there with the best of amateur theatre I have seen over the past fourteen years.
I must start with Mark Holmes in what is surely one of the most difficult roles in musical theatre. I will never forget his interpretation of “This is the moment” and also “Streak of Madness”. His singing and acting were incredible and as always Mark gave 110% and proved that he is a very talented all-rounder.Jennifer Horsfield showed her singing and acting talents to the full, and particularly with Gina Townend in the duet “In His Eyes”. Gina was also able to show off her acting and singing talents especially in “Someone Like You” and “A New Life”, and she also lead the dancers in Martins raucous choreography “Bring On The Men”. Mark Harris as Jekyll’s friend was excellent – quite a different part for him. There was excellent support from the other leading characters and the ensemble. Mark Feakins, Martin Scattergood and Anna Wright certainly “extracted” the best of acting, choreography and singing from the members. The diction from principals and ensemble alike was excellent as was Anna's control of the orchestra – never “drowning” the singers, principals in particular. The very minimalistic set and props worked extremely well. I thought Simon Lord’s lighting was “beautiful and atmospheric” – the likes of which have probably not been seen on the Montgomery! The costumes together with wigs (where necessary) gave the production just what was required.
“WOW” what a production!!!
Reviewed by: Mary Titterton (Regional Representative)
Where do I begin to extol the virtues of this superb production? It was certainly up there with the best of amateur theatre I have seen over the past fourteen years.
I must start with Mark Holmes in what is surely one of the most difficult roles in musical theatre. I will never forget his interpretation of “This is the moment” and also “Streak of Madness”. His singing and acting were incredible and as always Mark gave 110% and proved that he is a very talented all-rounder.Jennifer Horsfield showed her singing and acting talents to the full, and particularly with Gina Townend in the duet “In His Eyes”. Gina was also able to show off her acting and singing talents especially in “Someone Like You” and “A New Life”, and she also lead the dancers in Martins raucous choreography “Bring On The Men”. Mark Harris as Jekyll’s friend was excellent – quite a different part for him. There was excellent support from the other leading characters and the ensemble. Mark Feakins, Martin Scattergood and Anna Wright certainly “extracted” the best of acting, choreography and singing from the members. The diction from principals and ensemble alike was excellent as was Anna's control of the orchestra – never “drowning” the singers, principals in particular. The very minimalistic set and props worked extremely well. I thought Simon Lord’s lighting was “beautiful and atmospheric” – the likes of which have probably not been seen on the Montgomery! The costumes together with wigs (where necessary) gave the production just what was required.
“WOW” what a production!!!
Lucy & Prostitutes - Bring On The Men
The Public Reviews: Jekyll & HYDE
Reviewed by: Sheila Stratford
Published on Thurs 23rd April, 2015
The timeless thriller Jekyll &HYDE-the Musical is based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, which is set in Victorian London. Dr Jekyll maintains it is possible to separate the good from the evil that lies within people. Over a period of seven years, Dr Jekyll develops a potion which he believes will release his father and other unfortunates from the madness that has imprisoned them in the horrors of Victorian asylums.
Southey Musical Theatre Company, in this their 80th Anniversary production, portray Dr Jekyll as a good but tortured man in a frenzied state caused by many years of intensive research, desperate to find a cure for mankind. While in contrast to many productions where Mr Hyde is portrayed as a mad, wild maniac, Jekyll’s alter ego Mr Hyde is presented as a controlled but ruthless psychopath. This different approach is extremely successfully in exploring the more psychological truth to the story. Director Mark Feakins cleverly sustains suspense throughout the musical, and avoids creating an exaggerated Gothic horror story.
The six months of rehearsals by this amateur theatre company have handsomely paid off. With the limited resources available to an amateur theatre company this is an extremely good production of Jekyll &HYDE the Musical. The stage at the Montgomery theatre has been stripped right back to give room for the cast, and excellent lighting is integral in creating the atmosphere of the production. Often, the musical numbers in Jekyll &HYDE have a rock vibe and are more modern in style than what you might expect from a story set in Victorian London; however the costumes and props elegantly complement the musical style.
The whole cast demonstrate a professionalism and genuine talent. The musical numbers ‘Façade ‘, ‘Board of Governors’ and ‘the Engagement Party’ set the scene. ‘Bring on the Men’ is a great saucy number where we are introduced to Lucy (Gina Townend) and the prostitutes. Townend is certainly one to watch out for, as she gives a very strong performance with beautiful singing. Mark Holmes is excellent in the dual role of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. His singing is superb and his whole demeanour skillfully changes as he moves from one personality to his alter-ego, creating a most believable Jekyll and Hyde.Emma (Jennifer Horsfield) the loyal fiancée of Dr Jekyll has a beautiful, clear, haunting singing voice. The characters loyalty to Dr Jekyll could be difficult for the audience to accept, considering she is at the same time a feisty character, but she remains loyal despite Dr Jekyll’s bizarre behaviour and her genuine love and affection is felt throughout.
Great supporting roles come in the form of Matthew Walker and his role of Spider, the obnoxious and controlling pimp. Lady Beaconsfield (Marie Mason) brings great humour to her role, as did the Bishop of Basingstoke (Andrew Hibbert).
The lyrics tell the story and resonate throughout, while the excellent orchestral accompaniment mirrors the professional performance. The suspense (particularly in Act two) and the passion of the Southey Musical Theatre Company is infectious, they have created an evening of great entertainment and comes recommended.
Reviewed by: Sheila Stratford
Published on Thurs 23rd April, 2015
The timeless thriller Jekyll &HYDE-the Musical is based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, which is set in Victorian London. Dr Jekyll maintains it is possible to separate the good from the evil that lies within people. Over a period of seven years, Dr Jekyll develops a potion which he believes will release his father and other unfortunates from the madness that has imprisoned them in the horrors of Victorian asylums.
Southey Musical Theatre Company, in this their 80th Anniversary production, portray Dr Jekyll as a good but tortured man in a frenzied state caused by many years of intensive research, desperate to find a cure for mankind. While in contrast to many productions where Mr Hyde is portrayed as a mad, wild maniac, Jekyll’s alter ego Mr Hyde is presented as a controlled but ruthless psychopath. This different approach is extremely successfully in exploring the more psychological truth to the story. Director Mark Feakins cleverly sustains suspense throughout the musical, and avoids creating an exaggerated Gothic horror story.
The six months of rehearsals by this amateur theatre company have handsomely paid off. With the limited resources available to an amateur theatre company this is an extremely good production of Jekyll &HYDE the Musical. The stage at the Montgomery theatre has been stripped right back to give room for the cast, and excellent lighting is integral in creating the atmosphere of the production. Often, the musical numbers in Jekyll &HYDE have a rock vibe and are more modern in style than what you might expect from a story set in Victorian London; however the costumes and props elegantly complement the musical style.
The whole cast demonstrate a professionalism and genuine talent. The musical numbers ‘Façade ‘, ‘Board of Governors’ and ‘the Engagement Party’ set the scene. ‘Bring on the Men’ is a great saucy number where we are introduced to Lucy (Gina Townend) and the prostitutes. Townend is certainly one to watch out for, as she gives a very strong performance with beautiful singing. Mark Holmes is excellent in the dual role of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. His singing is superb and his whole demeanour skillfully changes as he moves from one personality to his alter-ego, creating a most believable Jekyll and Hyde.Emma (Jennifer Horsfield) the loyal fiancée of Dr Jekyll has a beautiful, clear, haunting singing voice. The characters loyalty to Dr Jekyll could be difficult for the audience to accept, considering she is at the same time a feisty character, but she remains loyal despite Dr Jekyll’s bizarre behaviour and her genuine love and affection is felt throughout.
Great supporting roles come in the form of Matthew Walker and his role of Spider, the obnoxious and controlling pimp. Lady Beaconsfield (Marie Mason) brings great humour to her role, as did the Bishop of Basingstoke (Andrew Hibbert).
The lyrics tell the story and resonate throughout, while the excellent orchestral accompaniment mirrors the professional performance. The suspense (particularly in Act two) and the passion of the Southey Musical Theatre Company is infectious, they have created an evening of great entertainment and comes recommended.
NODA Review: Jekyll & HYDE
Reviewed by David Streeter (Councillor, North East District)
First I would like to thank you and Southey Musical Theatre Company for the invitation to see your performance of Jekyll & HYDE - The Musical and for your President Ralph Green for hosting the evening.
What an evening it was.
I loved your event packaging design concept from publicity posters, labels, invitations, web site, letterheads through to programme.
The staging, costumes and lighting were a major contribution to a special evening of powerful and emotional theatre.
Mark Holmes played an absolute gem of a role as Jekyll/Hyde. What a part, what a performance and what a rendition of' 'This Is The Moment'. This takes nothing away from Gina Townend as Lucy Harris who gave the performance of her life and sang 'Someone Like You' with such feeling that I was transported through the 4th wall. Jennifer Horsfield as Emma Carew gave us such a lovely version of 'Once Upon A Dream' and sang a fabulous duet with Lucy with 'In His Eyes'.
The supporting cast and Company were 100% in the zone and deserve all the accolades that I'm sure were given during the week.
Congratulations to the creative team of Mark Feakins, Anna Wright and Martin Scattergood.
Reviewed by David Streeter (Councillor, North East District)
First I would like to thank you and Southey Musical Theatre Company for the invitation to see your performance of Jekyll & HYDE - The Musical and for your President Ralph Green for hosting the evening.
What an evening it was.
I loved your event packaging design concept from publicity posters, labels, invitations, web site, letterheads through to programme.
The staging, costumes and lighting were a major contribution to a special evening of powerful and emotional theatre.
Mark Holmes played an absolute gem of a role as Jekyll/Hyde. What a part, what a performance and what a rendition of' 'This Is The Moment'. This takes nothing away from Gina Townend as Lucy Harris who gave the performance of her life and sang 'Someone Like You' with such feeling that I was transported through the 4th wall. Jennifer Horsfield as Emma Carew gave us such a lovely version of 'Once Upon A Dream' and sang a fabulous duet with Lucy with 'In His Eyes'.
The supporting cast and Company were 100% in the zone and deserve all the accolades that I'm sure were given during the week.
Congratulations to the creative team of Mark Feakins, Anna Wright and Martin Scattergood.
Official Show Photographs (courtesy of Alan Thompson, Mark Feakins of Marmalade Photography and Pete Miles - all images are copyright).
Opening - full cast
I Need To Know - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
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Lost In The Darkness - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes) and Henrys father (Stephen Andrews)
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Façade
There are teachers who kill.
There are killers who teach. There are teachers who lie. There are liars who teach. |
Façade - John Utterson (Mark Harris)
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Façade - full company
Man is not one, but two; he is evil and good. And he walks the fine line we'd all cross if we could. |
Board of Governors
Board of Governors
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Governors - General Lord Glossop (Frank Badger), Lady Savage (Joanne Ringrose), Bishop of Basingstoke (Andrew Hibbert), Sir Archibald Proops (Mark Rodda) and Lady Beaconsfield (Marie Mason).
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Lady Savage (Joanne Ringrose) and Simon Stride (Simon Wright)
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Sir Archibald Proops (Mark Rodda) and Lady Beaconsfield (Marie Mason)
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Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield) and Bishop of Basingstoke (Andrew Hibbert)
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Take Me As I Am - emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield)
Though fate won't always do as we
desire...still we can set the world on fire!
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Engagement Party
Welcome To The Red Rat! - Nellie (Faye Maddison)
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Bring On The Men - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) with Spider (Matthew Walker)
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Bring On The Men - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) and Prostitutes (Ria Westhead, Grace Mason, Laura Whitlock, Faye Maddison and Hannah Bloomer)
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The Red Rat
Bring On The Men - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) and Prostitutes (Ria Westhead, Grace Mason, Faye Maddison, Laura Whitlock and Hannah Bloomer)
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Bring On The Men - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend), Spider (Matthew Walker) and Prostitutes (Grace Mason, Faye Maddison, Ria Westhead, Laura Whitlock and Hannah Bloomer)
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Bring On The Men
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Now There Is No Choice - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
This Is The Moment - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
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Jekyll's Lab - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes) and Mrs Poole (Kate Parkin)
This is
the moment! Damn all the odds!
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This Is The Moment - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
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This Is The Moment - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
Transformation - Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
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Transformation - Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
Alive - Edward Hyde (mark Holmes) with Grace Mason, Faye Maddison, Gillian Pether, Simon Wright, Leanne Brown and Stephen Andrews)
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Transformation - Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
Who is
this creature that I see?
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Alive - Edward Hyde (mark Holmes) with Gillian Pether, Simon Wright, Leanne Brown, Grace Mason, Faye Maddison and Stephen Andrews)
Alive - Edward Hyde (mark Holmes) with Grace Mason, Faye Maddison, Gillian Pether, Simon Wright, Leanne Brown and Stephen Andrews)
Someone Like You - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend)
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Someone Like You - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend)
So many
secrets I long to share….
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His Work and Nothing More - John Utterson (mark Harris), Sir Danvers Carew (Michael Tipler), Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield) and Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
The Bishops Death - Bishop of Basingstoke (Andrew Hibbert) and Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
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Murder! Murder! - Full Company
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Murder! Murder! - Full Company
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Murder! Murder! - Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
Murder! Murder! - Full Company
Once Upon A Dream - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes) and Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield)
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Once Upon A Dream - Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield)
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Mrs Poole (Kate Parkin) and John Utterson (Mark Harris)
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Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
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In His Eyes - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) and Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield)
In His Eyes - Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield) and Lucy Harris (Gina Townend)
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In His Eyes - Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield)
In his eyes I see a gentle glow....and that's where I'll be
safe, I know!
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In His Eyes - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) and Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield)
Dangerous Game - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) and Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
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John Utterson (Mark Harris)
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Façade Reprise - Spider (Matthew Walker), Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) and Prostitutes (Grace Mason, Laura Whitlock, Faye Maddison, Ria Westhead and Hannah Bloomer)
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A New Life - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend)
A New Life - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend)
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A New Life - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend)
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Lucy's death - Lucy Harris (Gina Townend) and Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
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Edward Hyde (Mark Holmes)
Lost In The Darkness - Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
I'm
what you face when you face in the mirror! As long as you live I will still be here!
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Confrontation - Edward Hyde and Henry Jekyll (Mark Holmes)
Board of Governors - Sir Archibald Proops (Mark Rodda), Bishop of Basingstoke (Andrew Hibbert), Lady Savage (Joanne Ringrose), Lady Beaconsfield (Marie Mason) and General Lord Glossop (Frank badger)
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The Wedding - Emma Carew (Jennifer Horsfield), Sir Danvers Carew (Michael Tipler) and Company
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Principal Curtain Call - Jennifer Horsfield, mark Holmes and Gina Townend
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Full Company Curtain Call
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Promotional Photographs
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Jekyll & Hyde Programme
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Slideshow of photographs taken from the wings of the Montgomery Theatre during our technical rehearsal.
Take a listen to our Chair and Lady Beaconsfield in 'Jekyll & Hyde', Marie Mason, talking to Dixie and Emma on Heart Radio this morning. Who knows....maybe we will have an extra body on stage with us during 'Murder! Murder!' on Saturday night?
https://soundcloud.com/dixieandemma/theres-been-a-murder-dixie-emma-heart-breakfast
https://soundcloud.com/dixieandemma/theres-been-a-murder-dixie-emma-heart-breakfast
A selection reviews from audience members
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Check out our promotional video for Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical.
Our door poster outside the Montgomery Theatre
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