Review: JEKYLL AND HYDE, Royal Lyceum

Gary McNair's one-man adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde faces a daunting obstacle: most of us know how it ends. Consequently, the piece's challenge shifts from the story itself to how it is told - it not only needs to be immensely engaging, it needs a new perspective to combat overfamiliarity. It achieves the former, but not the latter.

Firstly, actor Forbes Masson is undoubtedly a talented storyteller. He has nowhere to hide on Max Jones' minimalistic set, yet he is funny, charismatic and effortlessly endearing. He mostly plays the novel's narrator Gabriel Utterson, however depicts a variety of characters through subtle changes in voice and movement. Additionally, Richard Howell presents a masterclass in phenomenal lighting design.

Through a black-and-white colour scheme (a nod to the tale's duality) and accompanied by Richard Hammarton's sounds, he presents a delightfully eerie atmosphere, particularly when Utterson sees Hyde for the first time. The stage and Mr Hyde's haunting front door are both outlined by LED-strip frames, nodding cleverly to the framing narrative of the spooky tale.

The play's main downfall was it didn't feel particularly new or different. It was a strong retelling showcasing the power of theatrical language, but there wasn't a unique angle or perspective. It presents the renowned Victorian tale for what it is, and presents it well. 

Jekyll and Hyde is at the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh until 27 January

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