From the 29th to 31st October, York Medical Society in York city centre will host a brand-new production of Jekyll and Hyde, performed by Christopher Leslie, member of local repertory Theatre company Pop Yer Clogs Theatre. Following their successful productions of The Importance of Being Earnest, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wind in the Willows, the company now turns to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic tale, reimagined as a one-man performance for the Halloween season.
This new adaptation, written and performed by actor Christopher Lelsie, brings the chilling world of Stevenson’s ‘bogey tale’ to the stage in an intimate, atmospheric production. Jekyll and Hyde is a story of duality and morality, delving into the thin line between good and evil, right and wrong. Through the eyes of lawyer Gabriel John Utterson, audiences are invited into a Soho home to uncover the dark secrets behind Dr Henry Jekyll and the terrifying emergence of the elusive Mr Hyde.

First published in 1886, Stevenson’s novella has since become one of the defining works of gothic literature, inspiring countless adaptations on stage and screen. Its central themes of repression, temptation, and the divided self, remain as compelling and relevant today as they were in the late Victorian age.

Christopher Lelsie, who has adapted and performs the piece, says: “I am beyond excited to bring this rendition of the classic gothic story to life this Halloween! I have had a strong connection with all things gothic since an early age and have revelled in such classics as Frankenstein, Dracula and of course – Jekyll and Hyde! It is a tale where everyone knows the basics but are not as familiar with the wider details of the story. For this adaptation of the story, I wanted to stay truer to the source material of the original 1886 novella and have the focus back on the character of Gabriel John Utterson, who is often overlooked in most adaptations. Through his perspective we will be exploring the strange disappearance of Dr. Jekyll, as well as the appearance of the mysterious and malignant figure of Mr. Hyde. It is not to be missed!”

Harry Murdoch, who has directed Christopher for this production, says:
“Working with Christopher Leslie is an absolute joy. He's a brilliant actor and an utterly compelling storyteller. He draws you into the world of Jekyll & Hyde with an engrossing intimacy and brings Utterson's account to life through bold, dynamic characterisation. Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella is still a thrilling read today, and Christopher breathes new life into the text, making you feel as if you're hearing the famous tale for the very first time.”
Christopher Leslie, and Pop Yer Clogs Theatre, are delighted to perform at York Medical Society with this dark and atmospheric production this Halloween.

Jekyll and Hyde will run from Wednesday 29th October to Friday 31st October at 7:30 pm each evening, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets and further information can be found at https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/jekyll-hyde/