The atmosphere at the Jenny Kerry Theatre on Friday night was electric as Curtain Call Theatre’s senior students opened their latest production. Choosing Jekyll and Hyde is no small feat—its dark, complex themes present a significant challenge, but this accomplished company rose to it with confidence and control.
The standout performance of the evening came from Alfie Luke in the dual role of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It is astonishing to think this commanding performance came from a teenager tackling one of musical theatre’s most demanding roles. Requiring stamina, precision, emotional depth and vulnerability, Alfie delivered on every level with apparent ease. Having seen him in previous productions, this performance felt like a defining moment—one that firmly marks him as a talent to watch.
Equally compelling was Ava Cowan as Lucy Harris. Her portrayal was both emotive and sensitive, capturing the character’s complexity with a maturity beyond her years. Her solo numbers were among the highlights of the evening, delivered with both power and nuance.
Ellie Pike, as Emma Carew, showcased a clear and controlled soprano voice, handling the role’s demanding vocal lines with confidence. Her duet with Ava Cowan was particularly beautiful, the blend of their voices creating one of the production’s most memorable moments.
Rafferty Moore delivered a strong and assured performance as Gabriel Utterson, with excellent diction and presence, while Simon Apsey impressed as Sir Danvers Carew, demonstrating both vocal strength and convincing characterisation.
The production made effective use of its ensemble, offering ample opportunity for the wider cast to shine. Each performer approached their role with professionalism and polish. Jake Eastman’s appearance as Spider was especially striking, leaving a lasting impression with his menacing portrayal.
Under the direction of Andrew Woodford, the orchestra provided seamless musical support throughout. The sound balance was particularly noteworthy, allowing the performers’ voices to shine clearly.
While there were occasional microphone issues, the cast handled these minor setbacks with admirable composure, demonstrating strong stagecraft and professionalism.
The minimalist set, combined with effective lighting and simple props, enhanced the show’s sinister tone. The use of white masks, with the cast staring directly out at the audience, created moments of palpable tension.
Overall, this production successfully captured the complexity and intensity of Jekyll and Hyde. The young cast navigated its challenges with skill and sensitivity, delivering a performance that resonated strongly. The ability to unsettle an audience is no small achievement—and here, it was executed with impressive confidence.
