Jekyll and Hyde. - Page 3

katex · 12-11-2008, 10:44

Thanks for this Gayle, a very fair crit. in my opinion.

Is a shame that we don't have full facilities for flying scenery, etc., but can't create room where there isn't any, can we. The extensions do help though.

Unfortunately, it has not been very well booked, and could be a loss to the society ... so hopefully some of your comments may persuade a few extra 'bums on seats'

They have now reduced the tickets to £10 by the way.

magpie · 12-11-2008, 21:41

went to see this at Blackpool Grand last year... very good play :-) good luck with it :-)

jaysay · 13-11-2008, 11:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

A review of Jekyll and Hide

I’ll admit I went to see last night’s show mostly because I felt obliged to! I’m trying to get more people in general to go to shows at the Civic theatre and I felt that if I didn’t go and see this one I’d be a hypocrite!

I’m glad I did too. This show was professional, creative, spectacular and most of all, well acted – I was impressed.

Howard Raw chose a show that challenged the audience – it was violent, raunchy and at times almost uncomfortable to watch but that was part of its brilliance. I’m all for challenging the audience! Just because you’ve paid your money and sat down with a bag of sweets for a night out with your friends, doesn’t mean that you should be allowed to switch off.

The story, just in case anyone doesn’t know it, is relatively straight forward – Dr Jekyll wants to experiment with the ‘evil’ DNA in people and extract it so that everyone will be ‘good’. He can’t find a suitable subject so starts to experiment on himself. His ‘evil’ persona Mr Hide starts to take over and starts to kill people. One could ask though, is Mr Hide the ‘good’ side as he is trying to rid the world of all the other evil people?

There was a lot that I loved about the show – the big chorus numbers were extremely well choreographed, the only unfortunate thing was that the stage seemed too small at times. The transition between scenes really creatively done so that there was no pause or delay. Lighting was clever and evocative, I know that the lighting was professionally hired and that doesn’t always mean quality but this time it certainly did.

A few hiccups with sound but that’s just me nitpicking, it didn’t detract from the overall presentation.

The main thing that I loved though was that the acting and singing was superb – a very talented cast. Peter Norris as Jekyll/Hide blew me away with his acting particularly during the ‘confrontation’ scene when he switches backwards and forwards between Jekyll and Hide. The two ladies who Jekyll and Hide love were also excellent, with strong voices that worked well separately but also well together in harmony. The supporting cast were also strong with no weak links amongst them.

If you were hesitating about whether you should go or not – stop pfaffing around and get your ticket now.

I know Gayle your just after the Theatre critics job with the Guardian

Lolly · 13-11-2008, 11:52

I'm gutted i couldnt get to see it, it sounds brilliant and is a musical i've never seen (and thats unusual for someone who studied musical theatre at college!)

Very good review Gayle.

emamum · 13-11-2008, 11:59

slight thread wander but....where at lolly? I did performing arts and music at Blackburn

Lolly · 13-11-2008, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by emamum

slight thread wander but....where at lolly? I did performing arts and music at Blackburn

I did A levels in English, Performing Arts, Dance & Theatre Studies at Blackburn

emamum · 13-11-2008, 12:06

lol, i did english lang/lit as well did you go blackburn as well??

arent we about the same age?

katex · 12-12-2008, 00:45

Been to a DVD night recording at Park View of the show. Still amazed at how our Amateur Theatre in this area has progressed throughout the years.

Even though the show itself may not have been your 'cup of tea' the local talent is absolutely dazzling.

Will be nagging you to come to our next show in 2009 'Boogie Nights'. So watch this space .. will give you disco punters out there noooo escape ..

cherokee · 12-12-2008, 00:52

I went to see Oliver a while back put on by our local amdram group it was at the grand theatre and all I can say is Bravo. It was so well done I am still praising it to this day. I cant wait to see the next thing. (Think its going to be Joseph) really looking foward to it.
It would be great to see more folk go to the theatre in all areas as there are some brilliant productions put on.

jaysay · 12-12-2008, 11:11

For my sins I love Gilbert and Sullivan light operas. My love affair started in my teens when I was persuaded to join St. Marys Armature Operatic Society, by Fred Vandome when they first started, I appeared in the first two productions, HMS Pinafore and The Gondoliers, and was back stage for the next two, helping with lighting and scenery and I've been hooked ever since

Lolly · 12-12-2008, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

Will be nagging you to come to our next show in 2009 'Boogie Nights'. So watch this space .. will give you disco punters out there noooo escape ..

So will I..... because i'm going to be in it!! (Hopefully!)

katex · 12-12-2008, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lolly

So will I..... because i'm going to be in it!! (Hopefully!)

Don't think there will be any 'hopefully' about it Lolly, you will be there.

Please don't google Boogie Nights ... you will receive information about the film which was written around a story of pornography ...

Have to add 'the musical'

It's full of 70's disco hits, and a chance to get out your flares, hot pants and platform shoes.

Will be done mainly in the round with the 5-piece band being situated on one of the extensions. Bit like the Wigan Casino musical if you have been to see it.

Anyway, will leave it in peace for now .. marketing is about timing, and too early as yet, but I will be back ...

Studio25 · 12-12-2008, 14:50

Is that a theatre version of the Mark Wahlberg/Burt Reynolds film, or just something else with the same title? If the former, it will be interesting to see the (un)dress rehearsal pics- in the "over 18" section, of course...

Aaah - all explained in the post above.

katex · 12-12-2008, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Studio25

Is that a theatre version of the Mark Wahlberg/Burt Reynolds film, or just something else with the same title? If the former, it will be interesting to see the (un)dress rehearsal pics- in the "over 18" section, of course...

Aaah - all explained in the post above.

Ha ha .. 'something else' You will definitely be able to bring your son to this one, and your wife hopefully :-

Boogie Nights - The Musical

emamum · 12-12-2008, 16:04

oooh katex, i did a concert at ossy civic theatre thingy years ago and i remember it having a funny shaped stage, is that an extension then?