Jekyll and Hyde (Tour – Liverpool)

It has been two years since Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow last visited Liverpool in The Witches of Eastwick, and now he returns in another musical, Jekyll and Hyde.

Originally based on the books by Robert Louis Stevenson, Jekyll and Hyde tells the story of Henry Jekyll, a Harley street doctor who wishes to rid the human race of carrying out evil deeds. After carrying out experiments on himself, Edward Hyde is born from the inside of Jekyll’s mind, leading to a carnage of murder through the streets of London.

As both Jekyll and Hyde, Pellow seems slow in connecting to the material. His spoken voice, particularly in the first act is very breathy, making it hard to decipher the dialogue. The ex-pop star improves greatly in the second half when Jekyll’s alter-ego is causing havoc in the city.

Sabrina Carter and ex-Wicked understudy Sarah Earnshaw, both excel vocally as the duo’s love interests, but there are far too many power ballads in this show for them.

The chorus numbers are the best, though, with an 18-strong cast harmonising with ease which improves the general lacklustre score.

Ultimately this show is laden with too many numbers – many of which don’t seem to move the plot forward. It also takes a long time to build any momentum – it is over an hour into the show before Hyde even makes an appearance.

That is not to say that this show is without its merits. A scene where Jekyll confronts Hyde, with the use of a video projection really gets across the argument that is going on within Jekyll and Hyde’s head. The big number from this show – This is the Moment – also doesn’t disappoint, with Pellow delivering a powerful vocal.

Despite some stand out moments, including the chorus numbers and a duet between the two leading ladies, you can’t help feel slightly disappointed in the show as you leave the theatre – even if you are a fan of Marti Pellow.

– David Jack