The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Adapted by Noah Smith.
Directed by Paul Sztelma
Audition Date: 24 September, 2019
7.30pm for 8pm start at the Pavilion Theatre, Castle Hill
Production dates (incl. previews): 27 Jan to 22 Feb, 2020
Rehearsals will begin in mid-October with a one week break over Christmas.
THE PLAY:
Victorian London, 1888. Dr Henry Jekyll, shy and unassuming, is content with his reputation as a moral, upright citizen. Or so it would seem. Frustrated by his dull normalcy and intrigued by the notion of the “dual nature of man”, Jekyll secretly creates a formula to unleash his hidden bestial nature. And Edward Hyde is born. Hyde indulges in drink and debauchery while Jekyll’s life of propriety continues – until Hyde’s passions begin to turn up a body count.
Noah Smith’s intimate adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic blends science fiction, drama and horror to create a unique theatrical experience.
THE ROLES:
MAID (F, late 20s and upwards)
BUTLER (M, late 20s and upwards)
These aren’t your typical supporting “maid/butler” roles. Both these characters narrate the story, play multiple characters that populate London and become part of Jekyll’s subconscious – equally goading and chastising the Doctor. They need to work as a team, be physically fit and capable of portraying a certain menace. They can be any age, as long as they fit the criteria above. English accents of varying degrees of class.
JEKYLL/HYDE (M, 30s and upwards)
Jekyll – shy, retiring, not comfortable around women, proper and of good name. Hyde – the exact opposite. Though both are undeniably brilliant – just in different fields. The actor playing Jekyll and Hyde will need to be able to convincingly portray both sides of the coin whilst hinting at what lies beneath each individual personality. Though the script calls for an actor capable of undergoing a physical change, we’ll be doing a lot of work tailoring the nuances of the Jekyll/Hyde dichotomy with the strengths of the actor cast. Bald heads, wigs and crippled arms (as stated in the script) aren’t necessarily required! English accent, upper class.
LANYON (M, 30s and upwards)
Well-bred Londoner. A medical professional and peer of Jekyll. Aghast at the Doctor’s more preposterous theories and perhaps also jealous of his brilliance. Lanyon’s Christian propriety causes revulsion at Jekyll’s defiance of nature’s law. English accent, upper class.
UTTERSON (M, 40s and upwards)
Another well-bred Londoner, a lawyer and peer of Jekyll. Of the Jeckyll/Lanyon/Utterson trio, is the oldest, the wisest and has probably seen his fair share of horrors. He is also the Uncle of young Enfield and though he’s aware of his nephew’s proclivities, he still loves him. Utterson’s decency ultimately saves him. English accent, upper class.
*A note about the Jeckyll/Lanyon/Utterson trio: The script calls for each of the men to be in their 50s. Ignore that! I’m more interested in how you can play the part than your age.
ENFIELD (M, late 20s to early 30s)
A real rotter, gadabout and frequenter of brothels. Though he thinks himself more of a whimsical free spirit. Wants to sow as many wild oats as he can before his marriage to Helen. Conceited and revelling in his own youth, Enfield is still able to come across as a decent man when it suits him. English accent, upper class.
HELEN (F, early 20s to early 30s)
A woman of means, inquisitiveness and natural intelligence. Well-read and abundant in the qualities that make decent men fall in love with her. Modest and completely unaware of her effect on men, she may even be a little too trusting. Helen’s curiosity and intellect prove the downfall of Jekyll/Hyde. Standard American accent.
CYBEL (F, 30s to 40s)
A prostitute not so much with a heart of gold (though she is) but a mind like a steel trap. Cybel’s lot in life may have defeated a lesser woman but Cybel knows who she is, what she is and she’ll be damned if anybody thinks less of her for it. She is a formidable match for Hyde. English accent, working class.
Contact the director (me) on paul.sztelma@uts.edu.au to get a script emailed to you. Please read the script BEFORE the audition so you understand what you might be in for. I will also give you the excerpts from the script that we’ll be reading at the audition – I want you to come PREPARED.
And if you have any questions before the audition, I’m happy to talk (0400 460 233) or converse via email.
Paul Sztelma.