Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

for the “greater good” illustrated that pride and desperation can sometimes be more dangerous than simple hedonism. Pugh’s performance was gripping and horrifying, evoking both sympathy and revulsion as Jekyll’s inner turmoil became increasingly visible. His portrayal showcased not only the duality of man but also the fragility of morality and self-control. Heather Roberts’ performance as Eleanor Lanyon was very emotionally complex. Roberts brought depth and nuance to a character who might otherwise have been overshadowed by the intense drama surrounding Jekyll and Hyde. Eleanor’s journey from an innocent, sweet-natured woman to someone deeply intertwined with Jekyll’s darker side was masterfully portrayed. Roberts captured Eleanor’s internal conflict—her struggle between societal expectations and her desire for something more—with remarkable precision. The chemistry between Eleanor and Jekyll was palpable, particularly as she became increasingly involved in his experiments, serving as both his enabler and, ultimately, his downfall. Eleanor’s struggles with her own desires mirrored Jekyll’s, making her far more complex and three-dimensional than typical Victorian female archetypes. Roberts’ Irish accent for Eleanor, whether her own or a character choice, was convincing and added authenticity to the role. Andrew Raphael’s portrayal of Hastings Lanyon, Eleanor’s husband, was also noteworthy. Raphael effectively conveyed the character’s inner conflict as he struggled to comprehend Eleanor’s transformation and Jekyll’s increasingly erratic behaviour. He portrayed Hastings as a kindly, concerned, and somewhat dull figure—a necessary straight man amid the chaos unleashed by Hyde’s growing influence. Raphael’s steady performance helped to contrast with the madness surrounding him. Paddy Darnell-Walsh’s portrayal of Gabriel John Utterson, the lawyer and narrator, was equally impressive. As the moral centre of the story, Utterson’s growing concern for Jekyll provided the audience with a clear lens through which to view the unfolding horror. DarnellWalsh subtly portrayed Utterson’s arc, transitioning from a passive observer to an active participant in Jekyll’s downfall. His eventual succumbing to Hyde’s torments, allowing his own animalistic

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