Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

On Saturday we were really delighted to be at St Mary's Church, in Kirkby Lonsdale again. This time we enjoyed an outstanding performance of Stevenson's thoroughly scary novel - Jekyll and Hyde. Stevenson's novel is a mystery tale about the timeless conflict between good and evil and it was a sensation when it was published in 1886. 

The Stage at St. Mary’s Church  in Kirkby Lonsdale offers a unique blend of historic charm set within the stunning medieval church. It is a perfect setting for the chilling tale which unfolded and I thought how lucky we are to have such excellent theatre on our doorstep. 

Mark Stratford gave an amazing and compelling solo performance of this highly acclaimed, gripping play, which remained faithful to Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic classic. This stage version has been adapted and designed by Stratford and he says "the story gives a somewhat intense and disturbing expression to Stevenson's lifelong fascination with evil, and it demonstrates the seductiveness, as well as the horro, of an existence freed of all moral restraint".

 "In fog-bound Victorian London, Gabriel Utterson works as a respectable lawyer. Concerned by a strange clause in his friend Henry Jekyll’s will, Utterson investigates the sinister Edward Hyde – Jekyll’s unlikely protégé. Convinced that Jekyll and Hyde’s relationship is founded on blackmail, Utterson embarks on a quest to learn more but, as he does so, finds the truth to be far worse than he could have ever imagined…"

An immensely powerful and compelling performance which was totally absorbing.