Jekyll & Hyde The Musical – When the Labels Stop Mattering
Every now and then you walk into a theatre with one set of expectations and leave wondering why you ever had them in the first place.
Before the show began, I knew this wasn't a touring West End production or a major professional company. What I didn't expect was to leave feeling that I had seen a production every bit as good as many professional shows I have watched over the years.
In fact, one of the strongest compliments I can give is that after a few minutes the distinction simply stopped mattering.
The quality of the performances, music, staging and storytelling completely drew me into the world of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale.
Hull Truck Theatre itself deserves a brief mention. It remains one of my favourite regional theatres, combining a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable surroundings that make for an enjoyable evening from the moment you arrive. The venue strikes a balance between professionalism and friendliness, creating a space where audiences can relax and fully immerse themselves in the performance. It proved to be the perfect setting for a production that relied so heavily on atmosphere, storytelling and connection with the audience.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Jekyll & Hyde explores the struggle between the different sides of human nature. Dr Henry Jekyll, driven by scientific curiosity and a desire to separate good from evil, creates an alter ego that ultimately takes on a life of its own. It is a dark, gothic story, but one that continues to resonate because it asks timeless questions about identity, morality and the choices we make.
Central to the success of the production was Joshua Towse in the title role.
Jekyll & Hyde is not an easy part to perform. It demands not only strong acting ability but also the vocal power to carry a score that moves between moments of introspection and full-scale gothic drama. Throughout the evening, Joshua brought both physical presence and vocal authority to the role.
His portrayal of Dr Jekyll conveyed intelligence, ambition and vulnerability, while the darker aspects of Hyde emerged with a compelling intensity. The contrast between the two personas was clear, yet believable as two sides of the same individual.
What struck me most was his command of the stage. Even during large ensemble scenes, he remained the focal point of the action. There was a confidence and assurance in his performance that allowed the audience to fully invest in the story unfolding before them.
Vocally, he was more than equal to the demands of the role. His voice possessed both power and character, dominant enough to lead a truly gothic musical. Whether delivering quieter moments of reflection or the production's larger dramatic numbers, he consistently demonstrated impressive control, range and presence.
Alongside Joshua Towse's commanding performance, Ryan Fox delivered an equally important contribution as Gabriel John Utterson.
In many ways, Utterson serves as the audience's guide through the increasingly dark and unsettling events of the story. As Jekyll's friend and confidant, he acts as a moral compass and a voice of reason amidst the growing chaos, and Ryan captured this role perfectly.
His performance brought a calm authority to the stage, providing an effective counterbalance to the turmoil unfolding around him. Where Jekyll and Hyde embody conflict and extremes, Utterson represents stability, loyalty and rationality. Ryan's portrayal ensured that this contrast remained clear throughout the production.
His stage presence was understated when required but always purposeful, allowing him to anchor many of the key scenes. The chemistry between Ryan and Joshua helped make the central relationships of the story believable, giving additional weight to the emotional and dramatic moments that followed.
It was a thoughtful and assured performance that played a vital role in the success of the production, demonstrating that while Jekyll & Hyde may be remembered for its title character, the story relies equally on those characters who help us navigate the darkness alongside him.
The emotional core of the production was further strengthened by the performances of Jazmine Donkin as Emma Carew and Imogen Taylor as Lucy Harris.
Although their characters occupy very different worlds, both performers brought warmth, depth and authenticity to their roles. Jazmine's Emma provided a sense of hope, loyalty and compassion throughout the story, while Imogen's portrayal of Lucy captured both vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
Vocally, both performers were outstanding. Their individual performances were impressive in their own right, but it was when they sang together that the production reached some of its most memorable moments. Their voices blended beautifully, creating performances that were both musically accomplished and emotionally powerful.
The contrast between Emma and Lucy is central to the story's emotional landscape, and both actresses conveyed this effectively without ever reducing their characters to simple opposites. Instead, they brought genuine humanity to the roles, allowing the audience to connect with both characters and understand their significance within Jekyll's world.
Some of the most moving moments of the evening came through their performances, demonstrating not only impressive vocal ability but also a strong understanding of the emotional weight carried by the story.
The quality of the production extended far beyond the principal cast.
The set design was both imaginative and highly effective, creating the atmosphere of Victorian London whilst remaining flexible enough to support the fast pace of the story. Scene changes were handled seamlessly, often with members of the cast reshaping the stage before the audience's eyes. Rather than interrupting the flow of the narrative, these transitions became part of the storytelling itself and helped maintain momentum throughout the evening.
The production team clearly understood that Jekyll & Hyde relies heavily on atmosphere, and every element worked together to create a world that felt dark, gothic and immersive. Lighting, staging and movement combined to support the drama unfolding on stage and enhanced the emotional impact of many key scenes.
Special recognition must also go to Andrew Siddle, Musical Director at NAPA, and the live musicians who provided the musical heartbeat of the production. One of the great joys of musical theatre is experiencing live music performed alongside the action on stage, and the orchestra delivered a performance of exceptional quality throughout.
The score of Jekyll & Hyde is both challenging and demanding, requiring sensitivity during quieter moments and considerable power during the show's larger ensemble numbers. Under Andrew's direction, the music consistently enhanced the storytelling and provided the foundation upon which the cast could build their performances.
Indeed, one of the most impressive aspects of the evening was how seamlessly the various elements of the production came together. Performers, musicians, technical teams, directors, choreographers and backstage crew all contributed to creating a production that felt polished, professional and deeply engaging.
Full marks to the entire creative team. Their collective efforts transformed a strong cast and an excellent score into an unforgettable evening of theatre.
As the curtain fell, I found myself reflecting on how fortunate we are to have organisations such as NAPA creating opportunities for performers to develop their craft whilst bringing productions of this quality to local audiences.
The story of Jekyll & Hyde remains powerful because it speaks to something universal within all of us. The struggle between our better instincts and our darker impulses is as relevant today as it was when Stevenson first put pen to paper.
Yet beyond the themes and the music, what I will remember most is the quality of the performance itself.
This was not a show that was impressive "for an amateur production".
It was simply impressive.
An outstanding evening of theatre and a reminder that great performances are defined by talent, commitment and passion—not by labels.
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