Olivier and Grammy award-nominated performer Audrey Brisson stars in the world premiere production of Gary McNair’s one-person stage adaptation of Jekyll & Hyde at Reading Rep.
The production, which runs from 10-29 October, will be the first production of the theatre’s tenth anniversary season with all tickets being priced under £20 as part of the theatre’s recently announced ticketing strategy to combat the cost-of-living crisis’ effect on accessibility to theatre. Tickets are on sale here.
Gary McNair’s captivating and comic adaptation turns Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story on its head, revealing the depths of one person’s psyche and the lengths people will go to hide their deepest secrets.
You’re starring in Jekyll & Hyde at Reading Rep, what can you tell us about this production?
It’s a really intimate retelling of a story we think we all know. You are taken on a journey with the book’s narrator – Utterson – as he discovers not just about Jekyll & Hyde, but his own light and dark side.
What were your first thoughts when you read Gary McNair’s one person adaptation?
I was surprised at how much room for comedy there was in it. I had always thought Jekyll and Hyde was quite a morbid and macabre story. Gary has such a whimsical writing style which gives brilliant contrast to the more scary and thrilling moments in the play.
What are you most excited about with this role, and what do you think the challenges will be?
I’m most excited about playing all the different roles. It’s not often you get the opportunity to play so many contrasting characters during one performance. I think this will also be the most challenging aspect of the performance but it’s really exciting, I love a challenge.
How have rehearsals been going, and what’s it like working with director Michael Fentiman?
It’s always so much fun working with Mike. We’ve worked together loads so it allows us to bring out so much in rehearsals and be really playful with the text.
What are you looking forward to most about working at Reading Rep?
I love that I’m getting the opportunity to work with an up and coming venue. Everyone at Reading Rep are so wonderfully talented and supportive. It’s also been great to get the chance to rehearse in the playing space. It’s added so much more to the piece so much earlier than you might get anywhere else.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see this unique adaptation of Jekyll & Hyde?
Jekyll and Hyde is a thrilling tale. Like a campfire ghost story you’ll be drawn in by the chilling and shocking events. Whether you know the book backwards or have only just heard the names Jekyll & Hyde, there is something for everyone in this performance.
Jekyll & Hyde starring Audrey Brisson is at Reading Rep Theatre 10th to 29th October.
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