A musical version of the gothic novella, ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ is coming to Hyde Festival Theatre.

For Hyde Musical Society return to the theatre with their 2024 production, ‘Jekyll and Hyde the Musical’ this March.

Following their sell out run of West Side Story last year, the society are back with yet another thrilling and emotional tale. 

‘Jekyll and Hyde The Musical’ is based on the well-known, gothic novella by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. This musical version, featuring a pop rock score by Frank Wildhorn, takes the classic tale and intertwines romance to create a beautiful, dark love story.

An evocative tale of two men - one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman - and two women - one, beautiful and innocent; the other, beautiful and provocative - both women in love with the same man and both unaware of his dark secret. 

A devoted man of science, Dr Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind’s most challenging medical dilemmas. 

Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr Hyde.

Talented Tom Williams, from Stockport, who graduated in drama at Manchester University two years ago, plays the split personalities of both Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

He said: “I’m so excited to play both Jekyll and Hyde in this take on the classic novel. It’s such an exciting challenge to play two contrasting characters. The music is so evocative and powerful, I think audiences will really be on the edge of their seats throughout.”

Kayleigh Ann Strong makes her Hyde Festival Theatre debut as the object of Mr Hyde’s wildest desires and the star of seedy drinking establishment, The Red Rat.

Kayleigh, who has appeared in many productions, said: “I have always dreamt of playing Lucy Harris in this iconic story since being young. The cast are phenomenal and have been working so hard. So many will know the tale of Jekyll and Hyde but so many won’t have seen it performed in this way.”

Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the musical took to Broadway in 1997 and over the years has seen many stars take on the lead role, including David Hasselhoff and Sebastian Bach. 

The musical’s pop rock score features dramatic ensemble songs such as ‘Façade’ and ‘Murder Murder’, combined with powerful and passionate ballads such as ‘Someone Like You’ and ‘This Is The Moment’, which have become the most renowned songs from this production.

Jekyll and Hyde The Musical takes to the Hyde Festival Theatre stage from Wednesday, March 20 to Saturday, March 23. Evening performances take place from 7.30pm each day, with a matinee on Saturday, March 23 at 2.30pm. 

Tickets can be found on the Hyde Musical Society website hydemusicalsociety.org.uk or directly on sparksem.co.uk

You can hear more about the show as we go behind the scenes and join the team at their rehearsals on tonight’s Reporter Show on Tameside Radio 103.6FM.