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Wine time: The Frogs - Southwark Playhouse

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For a show called The Frogs, there isn’t much amphibian activity in the piece. But being a show with music by Stephen Sondheim, you could be mistaken for thinking it’s a critical theatrical piece. But like Sondheim’s final musical playing at the National Theatre, while it may not be a musical that fills you with provocative thoughts, it’s a fast-paced romp through hell and back to save the world for the sake of arts. With rousing choruses, thrilling choreography and plenty of cheap laughs, what more can you want from the theatre? It’s currently playing at the Southwark Playhouse (Borough) . There isn’t much to the plot, except that Dionysus (Dan Buckley), disillusioned by the state of a divided world, and his sidekick and slave, Xanthias (Kevin McHale), cross the river Styx to the underworld to find a great writer who they can return to the world to teach the world about life. He has his mind set on bringing back George Bernard Shaw until he hears the poetry of Shakespeare.  This v...

Lady be good: Jonathan Holloway's Jekyll and Hyde @JekandHydeUK


Jekyll and Hyde is a thoughtful gender reversal of this classic tale with some seriously atmospheric theatrical tricks up its sleeve. 

The piece adapted by writer director Jonathan Holloway has already been to London (albeit in a shortened form) in an equally interesting and shocking production.

Here things are fleshed out a little more and are infused with some pretty impressive production values for a fringe production, which is a co production with Hong Kong’s Chung Ying Theatre Company.



Arriving late to the theatre (you have to walk half way to Camden Town to access the entrance to the Platform Theatre), we still had time to stand briefly in awe at the beauty of the set before taking our seats. With its array of red lanterns, jagged edges and Victorian Gothic, it was moody and atmospheric stuff. It also looked terrific in the large and well-proportioned space (which once you find it turns out to be a real treat).

Dr Jekyll (played here by Olivia Winteringham) here is a sexy and seductive scientist who comes to England from the Balkans. Tormented by her past and fleeing horrors of her homeland she is conducting a series of experiments so she live in safety. But things are not what they seem as people are mysteriously murdered.

Her lawyer, upon discovery of the connection between Dr Jekyll and the madman Hyde finds himself drawn into a sexual relationship with the Dr Jekyll.

What stands out in both productions is the strong story and characterisations. This version feels sexier and the attraction between Dr Jekyll and her lawyer seems clearer. And although it omits a particular prop from the shocking climax (which had audience members gasping last time around), it is still equally effective.

Framing the story is the sale of a mysterious manuscript from a back room book dealer which gives the story its narration. The device last time around seemed odd and out of place but put in the context of an opium den, combined with a wonderful soundtrack full of crashing symbols, accordion and clarinet it all makes for a creepy and entertaining night out.

Jekyll and Hyde runs at the Platform Theatre, Central St. Martins Granary Building at Kings Cross until 8 August.

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎

First impressions with @johnnyfoxlondon follow...

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