Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde
by Robert Louis Stevenson


Highlights
What readers are saying
Readers love this inventive adaptation of the classic story, praising its rich and accessible modern interpretation. Many find it ideal for an ensemble cast and suitable for older teens, with a brilliant exploration of complex themes like repression and innate evil.
Synopsis
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic horror story, this dramatic adaptation shows the transformation of the mild-mannered Dr Jekyll into the fiendish Mr Hyde.
When Jekyll discovers a drug that can transform him, he becomes able to unleash the dark side of his nature onto the streets of Victorian London.
But he soon discovers the price of his double life.
What are the themes?
The struggle between good and evil, the conscious and unconscious, family relationships,Victorian society and morality.
Teaching points With one actor taking the roles of both Jekyll and Hyde, the play allows pupils to more easily understand that these characters are 'one' person.
The play is suitable for use either at Key Stage 3, or to support the study of the novel at Key Stage 4.
Press Reviews
"This is not your grandfather’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In Hatcher’s version, the dark Hyde indeed comes out, and he is evil beyond measure. But not all evil: He loves, and is loved. Jekyll isn’t the pure soul we’ve come to believe him to be. Hatcher has written a play that honors the original, but gives a more complex interpretation of the dual nature of man. A dark and disturbing story liberally peppered with humor."
— Arizona Daily Star
"The dark intensity of the drama is unrelenting, even through the well-timed laugh lines. While paying homage to Stevenson, this remixed version makes his Victorian concerns relevant in the 21st century. It would be a sin to miss it."
— Arizona Republic
"Hatcher has fashioned a play that seems truer to Stevenson but hipper, sexier and more intense… a suspense almost as affecting as it is intense."
— San Francisco Chronicle
"An elegant re-telling of the classic tale. Hatcher has a sure hand with tone and suspense. He knows how to spring just enough surprises to keep us guessing. In the end, despite the legion of villains in the play, it’s the tug of war between Jekyll and his own erupting sense of shame and disgust that leaves the most indelible mark on the mind’s eye."
— San Jose Mercury News
Characters
| Character |
|---|
Mr. Edward Hyde |
Gabriel Utterson |
Elizabeth Jelkes |
Dr. H.K. Lanyon |
Sir Danvers Carew |
Poole, The Butler |
Sanderson, The Private Detective |
The Inspector |
Mr. Richard Enfield |
The Prostitute |
Policeman |
Police Physician |
Surgical Student 1 |
Surgical Student 2 |
Maid |
Old Woman |
Little Girl |
Drunkard |
Hotel Clerk |
Morgue Orderly |
Dr. Henry Jekyll |
Available Editions
Publication
Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde is a British adaptation play written by Robert Louis Stevenson and published by Nick Hern Books in London (1999).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle.
Community Reviews
No community reviews yet
Buy Play
None
Collins · 1999 · 96 pp
Performance Rights
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
Apply for RightsSimilar Plays
Plays with similar themes, style, and content.
More from Robert Louis Stevenson
More plays from Robert Louis Stevenson that we think you'll enjoy.















