One-person storytelling is a difficult-to-pin-down art. The ability to keep an audience enthralled with the simplest tools of performance and a good yarn is its own thing, and often overlooked. The rather on-the-nose named The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde (Told by a Mad Hatter from Stockport)is a good example of how one can tell an old story in a new way, using ancient arts.
The original Jekyll and Hyde in question is, of course, Deacon Brodie, a man who was well respected by day and a masked burglar at night. He’s famous in Scotland, so much so that this particular telling of the tale was a stone’s throw away from a pub named after him.
This early example of a true crime story is told by the character of the Mad Hatter, essentially the historical version of a ‘cheeky Manchester chap’. The performer, Andy D, keeps the audience enthralled throughout, mostly through a sort of rough and fun charm; the character of the Hatter is a classic ‘rough soul, good heart’ sort of rogue; think Discworld’s Nobby Nobs or Vila from Blake’s 7.
It’s a rather dark story, as most crime tales are. It’s kept PG13, despite the blunt facts of the matter, and there are no surprises in this tale. But a well-told story is always worth your time, and this is done well. It’s low budget, but then a good story doesn’t need fireworks, just to be told well.
The collection of story-led embellishments and character quirks keeps the audience fascinated for 50 minutes, with nothing more than a simple costume and a fake bottle of mercury. We’d love to see what Andy D could do with more resources. A great afternoon show.
You can find out more about the Mad Hatter from Stockport here.
