15 Nov NEWS: Jekyll and Hyde to open at the Greenwich Theatre before UK tour

Sell A Door Theatre have announced a new adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde, which will open at Greenwich Theatre on Wednesday 11 February 2015, prior to a 33 date UK Tour.

I welcome you, Edward Hyde. Welcome you with all my heart.
For you are myself. And we can take our place in this evil world.

Set in an alternative London of the future that is consumed by the quest for immortality, Dr. Henry Jekyll is a high-profile cancer specialist, determined to find a cure for mankind’s greatest medical challenge. In his obsession to be the doctor that makes this historic breakthrough, Jekyll’s radical research results in the creation of an unintentional strain of drug which entirely alters the patient’s personality. Making himself the subject of his own experiments, Jekyll steps into the unknown and unleashes his inner demons. Trapped in a corporate world, Dr. Jekyll must choose to keep hold of his own identity as he revels in the freedom and chaos of his hideous alter ego: Mr Hyde. But is the choice still in his hands?

Robert Louis Stevenson’s cult classic is reinterpreted in this modern adaptation, set in a steampunk dystopian world where the questionable actions of leaders are no longer held to account, whilst the personal freedoms of the common citizen are disregarded. A vivid depiction of a regressive future, this bold new adaptation is written by Jo Clifford, who has close to 80 dramatic works to her name. She is perhaps best known for her adaptation of Great Expectations, which was first presented in 1988 featuring Alan Cumming as Pip, and was recently revived in a new production at the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre. Jo is currently under commission to the National Theatre of Scotland.

Jo Clifford said today: “I love Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It’s such a brilliant piece of writing. It’s given me so much pleasure to adapt the story for Sell A Door; and I hope my play gives audiences huge pleasure, as well as plenty to think about…”.

The production marks Sell A Door’s first Grants for the Arts funding from Arts Council England, and strengthens the company’s reputation for producing contemporary new writing designed to engage new audiences.

Casting to be announced.

Image credit: Matthew Smith