Review: Jekyll and Hyde at Space Theatre

A Slightly Isolated Dog are one of my favourites. They create new theatre experiences where audiences actively participate and contribute to content or are active players in the theatre.

Five flirtatious ‘French’ performers meet you at the door. They bring you in, they show you to your seat while getting to know you. Then they tell you the story – with you.

Their rendition of Jekyll & Hyde was a delightful surprise—a comedic twist on the classic gothic tale based on  Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella that I never knew I needed until now.

As we stepped into the Space Theatre, we were immediately greeted by the various performers. Their flirtatious interactions with the audience created an electric atmosphere. While my poor husband was slightly worried he’d be pulled into the show, I was secretly hoping he would.

Dressed in glamorous and chic attire, each performer exuded a magnetic allure, adding a touch of heat to the cool June night.

Directed by Leo Gene Peters, this production retained the essence of the original story while infusing it with modern-day humour and social commentary. The dialogue was peppered with witty twenty-first-century quips, the villain portrayed more as a caricature than a menacing figure, and the audience was seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the farcical elements of the performance.

Clowning, often a precarious art form, was executed flawlessly by the talented cast. Drawing inspiration from sources like Monty Python and Gaulier, their performances were a delightful blend of absurdity and surrealism. Amidst the chaos, the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde unfolded, albeit with frequent diversions into blackout sketches, audience interactions, and Instagram live proposals.

So, why see this show? Because it’s sixty minutes of pure laughter and entertainment. Watching five performers engage in the most bizarre antics with effortless grace is an experience like no other. This adaptation offers a temporary escape from reality, leaving you both amused and contemplative. It’s a clever, funny, and thought-provoking exploration of the darkness within us all—and whether it’s better to confront it or push it down.

4.5 stars

Lia Loves.