Looking back on stories from the past with a fresh pair of 2019 eyes, we can see the social and racial issues with particular stories. Recently Disney refused to add Song of the South to its streaming service because it was deemed racist; Heart of Darkness at The REP looked at the racist and sexist implications of its source; and now The Young REP’s production of Jekyll and Hyde puts a feminist spin on the classic story.

Jekyll and Hyde picks up where the original novella ends, focussing on Jekyll’s wife, Harriet, as she investigates her husband’s mysterious death. This story of discovery shifts between the original Victorian setting and the modern day, where we see the similarities in these societies and the struggles women are forced to face.

In terms of the performance, the cast are a talented group of young actors. They have clearly spent time and effort working on this script. But to take the performances further they need to make stronger choices. Characters say they are grieving, but don’t show it. Characters say they are in love, but they don’t quite show it. At times everything fell into place, but not as often as it could.

Evan Placey’s script is somewhat hit or miss. There are moments where the lines are well-written and make moments spark, but there are others that fall flat. Most of these come with the jarring insertion of spoken emojis, although occasionally it is effective. Regardless, this is an interesting story with a significantly stronger second half that makes up for what the first half is missing.

Tessa Walker’s direction was excellent and thoughtful, but there were a few scenes that felt strange. In a set with chairs, it seemed odd that they waited a long time to use them. I’ll admit I am being somewhat pedantic, but these moments did break the naturalism that most scenes were aiming for. This may be somewhat down to elements of the performance, but it’s difficult to tell.

Once again, my passionate vendetta against midi is riled up. Having music composed for the show is a nice touch, but to have it butchered by synthesized instruments is upsetting. Moments that could have packed more punch are left lacking because it sounds like it’s being played on a keyboard in a high school classroom. Moreover, some moments felt like the music was trying to tell the audience what to feel, which ends up having the opposite effect.

Overall this is an entertaining production. While some characters come across as unrealistically naive, and the apparent moral conclusion is concerning, there is enough to like to keep you engaged for the full show. While the phrase “youth theatre” can scare some people away, this is not one of the shows that are painful to sit through. This is a thoughtful, intriguing piece of theatre, even with its limitations.   ★★★☆☆   Jeremy Ulster    24th April 2019