Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde — Sydney Theatre Company

Overview

A thrilling new production from an acclaimed theatre team has arrived at the Roslyn Packer Theatre. The team behind the Sydney Theatre Company's hit adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray have returned following the production's sold-out run, this time with a new take on another literary classic — Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Popping up for a four-week run, this version of Robert Louis Stevenson's gothic mystery is brought into a new age by Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director Kip Williams through cutting-edge theatre techniques — including the integration of live video into the show.

This innovative use of live and pre-recorded video merged with live performance — a visionary technique that is establishing Williams as a bonafide auteur — is incredibly effective and, on occasion, even jaw-droppingly impressive. At one particular point in the production the kinetic screens configure to create the illusion of a macabre staircase running from stage to ceiling, a visual trick that will make you audibly gasp with appreciation.

This intricate story unfurls on stage with a pair of tour de force performances from Matthew Backer (Cloud Nine, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Chimerica) and Ewen Leslie (Julius Caesar, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The War of the Roses).

Throughout the 110-minute performance, the duo take on all roles in the show between them, a dizzying feat involving constant vocal alterations, changes of wardrobe and wigs, and an unimaginably high degree of difficulty in blocking across the stage.

Following August 8 and 9 previews of the show, the season is running from Thursday, August 11 until Saturday, September 3. Single tickets start from $65 for attendees under 30 booking Monday–Thursday. Full-priced tickets range from $117–129, with discounts available for season ticket holders.

Images: Daniel Boud