REVIEW: STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE @ THE WHITE BEAR THEATRE

🎭 Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

📍 White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4DJ

🗓 Sunday 21st December 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A CHILLING MASTERPIECE OF TRANSFORMATION

It isn't often a piece of theatre leaves an audience so utterly transfixed that you could hear a pin drop, but Brother Wolf's production of STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE did exactly that

In this gripping one-man tour de force, James Hyland (who also adapted the piece) doesn't just perform Robert Louis Stevenson's classic, he exhumes it - breathing a terrifying fresh life into the duality of the human soul.

From the moment Hyland takes the stage, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. His adaptation is lean, mean, and masterfully paced, stripping away the gothic clutter to focus on the raw, psychological horror of Jekyll's descent.

But it is the incredible characterisation that elevates this production to something truly phenomenal. Hyland's ability to morph between the respectable, increasingly desperate Dr Jekyll and the malevolent, unpredictable Mr Hyde is nothing short of supernatural. With no CGI or elaborate prosthetics - only his masterful physicality and vocal flexibility - he shifts his entire skeletal structure before our eyes. One moment we are watching a man of science unravel, the next a predatory creature of pure malice with a chilling, gutteral presence that sends literal shivers down the spine.

But it wasn't just these, Hyland also played surrounding characters with utter conviction, and I was mesmerised by his performance from start to finish.

The simplistic lighting and sound design work in perfect harmony to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere of the White Bear's intimate space, but the night belongs entirely to Hyland. His performance can only be described as a masterclass in solo theatre - chilling, powerful, and profoundly moving.

This is not always an easy watch. The subject matter is dark and there is absolutely no sugar coating on display. The intensity is hightened as Hyland leans into Hyde's intimidating presence, making the front row squirm in their seats!

This is unmissable, five star theatre of the highest calibre. If you want to see a genuine acting genius at work, catch this show wherever it goes next. Simply stunning.

To find out more about James Hyland's work and to find details of upcoming tour dates for STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE and his other productions head to https://www.brotherwolf.org.uk/

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde was gifted by Brother Wolf Productions who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

ADAPTED AND PERFORMED BY:

James Hyland

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour, with no interval

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