CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Live at Leith Theatre

National Theatre of Scotland and Selkie Productions in association with Screen Scotland and Sky Arts present: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Live at Leith Theatre.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde  Live at Leith Theatre

Article Source: National Theatre of Scotland
Last Updated: 16 December 2021 12:52

National Theatre of Scotland and Selkie Productions in association with Screen Scotland and Sky Arts present

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Live at Leith Theatre

Conceived and directed by Hope Dickson Leach
Written by Hope Dickson Leach and Vlad Butucea
Based on the iconic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Cinematographer David Liddell, Music Hudson Mohawke
Costume Designer Alisa Kalyanova, Sound Designer Ania Pryzgoda

Supported by Weston Culture Fund, Sir Ewan and Lady Brown, The Foyle Foundation, The Britford Bridge Trust, The William Syson Foundation, The Woolbeding Charity

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a thrilling new hybrid version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story, conceived and directed by Hope Dickson Leach, adapted from the original novella and relocated from London to Edinburgh. Presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and Selkie Productions in association with Screen Scotland and Sky Arts, this unique new retelling uses innovative theatrical and cinematic techniques to create a live filmic and theatrical experience. Entering a live filmset built within the atmospheric setting of Edinburgh’s historic Leith Theatre, audiences will witness the simultaneous creation and screening in this one-off experience.

Following the final performance on 27 February 2022. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde will be livestreamed to selected Scottish cinemas. The show will then be screened ‘as live’ during the week of 28 February in UK cinemas. The footage captured during the performances will subsequently be edited into a full feature film, which will be broadcast on Sky Arts in 2023.

This will be the first livestream film, created and set in Scotland, to be seen by audiences in Scottish cinemas.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Hope Dickson Leach and Vlad Butucea, returns to Edinburgh born writer Robert Louis Stevenson’s original story which was published in 1886. This gripping new adaptation has been developed with theatre dramaturg Rosie Kellagher.The drama follows Gabriel Utterson as he enters a world of dark duplicity to uncover the identity of the mysterious Mr Hyde and the hold he has over Utterson’s old friend Dr Jekyll.

In this version, Utterson’s journey is set against the background and backdrop of Victorian Edinburgh, where the wealth of the breweries is contrasted with the poverty of the Cowgate Vaults, exposing an underbelly of dark truths and corruption. Bewitched by the society of Edinburgh’s rich and powerful, Utterson soon discovers that behind the glossy façade of power there is a grim and brutal reality. This is a Jekyll and Hyde reworked for a contemporary audience with the themes of power, class and masculinity brought to the fore.

Embracing the duality of the storyline and the period authenticity, the film will be shot in black and white. Both the film and live event will feature new electronic music by DJ and music producer Hudson Mohawke, acclaimed for his genre-smashing" creative approach.

Hope Dickson Leach is an award-winning film maker, based in Edinburgh, whose debut film, The Levelling won her a Scottish BAFTA and the inaugural IWC Filmmaker Bursary Award in association with the BFI. This is her second project with the Company, she also co-conceived and directed Ghost Light with National Theatre of Scotland in association with Selkie Productions. This project reunites her with Vlad Butucea, (one of the writers for the National Theatre of Scotland’s Interference project) and contributing writer on Ghost Light.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde offers audiences the opportunity to experience a film being created around them, gaining insight into the theatre and filmmaking process. Audience members will wear headsets while watching the drama unfold live on a large screen in the auditorium.

A gothic tale of double lives and inner demons, the storyline is mirrored not only in the hybrid format of the production but in the audience experience at the venue, where they will be able to enjoy bespoke cocktails from the Jekyll and Hyde theatre bars.

Leith Theatre is a legendary music venue, performance space and community resource in the heart of Leith, which was a gift from the City of Edinburgh in the 1920s. Its main auditorium has played host to sporting events, the Edinburgh International Festival and iconic artists and bands. Currently closed to the public, audiences will have exclusive access to the main auditorium during the theatrical film event, and the venue’s historic backstage maze of rooms and hallways will be transformed into film set location scenes of Victorian Edinburgh.

The very first film version of Stevenson’s novel is believed to be a 16-minute-long silent horror film of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde made in 1908, based on a stage play. Since then, there have been over 123 films made, from animation to satire to horror, with versions filmed across the world.

Casting for The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde will be announced in January 2022.

Jackie Wylie, Chief Executive and Artistic Director (NTS) said: “We are thrilled to be kicking off 2022 with The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in partnership with Selkie Productions; an ambitious retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary novella, offering a one-off experience to audiences who can experience it being filmed in the iconic surrounds of Leith Theatre. The National Theatre of Scotland has been increasing its digital and screen presence over the last two years with a programme of unique hybrid projects created to respond to the challenging times of Covid to ensure we can continue producing thrilling theatrical works for audiences, working with the best artistic talent in Scotland and extending the number of people we can reach.

“Conceived during lockdown as both a live experience and as a feature film, we are delighted to be working at Leith Theatre for the first time and to renew our creative relationship with the brilliant Edinburgh based Hope Dickson Leach, following the success of Ghost Light in 2020.”


Hope Dickson Leach said: “Jekyll and Hyde is a masterpiece by one of Scotland’s best storytellers deserving of a groundbreaking and challenging interpretation. What better tale to explore hybrid storytelling? Working with the National Theatre of Scotland to create this innovative piece has not only allowed me to collaborate with some of the most talented theatre and film makers in Scotland, but also to explore the narrative and formal questions that inspire me as an artist. I am so grateful to National Theatre of Scotland for consistently supporting and celebrating work that pushes the boundaries of storytelling.”

Leslie Finlay – Screen Scotland said: “This is an incredibly exciting project bringing together award-winning Scottish director Hope Dickson Leach, prolific Scottish producer Wendy Griffin and the National Theatre of Scotland. Screen Scotland's support is enabling the production to push cinema and create a new hybrid form of storytelling, blending cinema, theatre and using innovative new technology to create a special theatrical experience for audiences to enjoy across the country.”

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde sees National Theatre of Scotland collaborating again with Selkie Productions and producer Wendy Griffin following the success of Ghost Light.

Screen Scotland’s support is funded through the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.

This hybrid production is part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s growing On Screen programme which includes content for digital, broadcast and cinemas including its series of short theatrical artworks, Scenes for Survival and Ghost Light, a celebration of theatre on film which was also made by award-winning film director Hope Dickson Leach. National Theatre of Scotland and Hopscotch Film’s special filmed version of Adam commissioned for BBC Scotland and BBC Arts which tells the remarkable story of a young trans man and his struggle across genders and borders to be himself is currently freely available to watch on BBC iPlayer until early 2022. The digital production won the Audience Award for Best Film at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival earlier this year and most recently won the award for Best Scripted TV in this year’s Scottish BAFTA’s.

Live at Leith Theatre:

Dates: 25 to 27 February 2022 at 7pm

Booking Information: Tickets will be available from 16 December 2021 www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

Access: Audio described and captioned performances on Friday 25 February
and BSL interpreted performance on Saturday 26 February.

27 February 2022, 7pm: “As live” stream in selected Scottish cinemas.

Week of 28 February 2022: ‘As live’ streamed in UK cinemas.

Scottish and UK cinemas to be announced in early 2022

Image credit: Laurence Winram

Sponsored Links

Link
Great Run Company
Open Pass Scotland
Paisley First
Fayre Play
Escape The Past

Latest Edinburgh News

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

READ MORE
Gilded Balloon launches Postcode Pals

Gilded Balloon launches Postcode Pals

Gilded Balloon launches a rewards scheme with £6 tickets now available for local residents for some of the Fringe's biggest shows - including Rosie O'Donnell, Jack Docherty, Kim Blythe and more!

READ MORE
Summer savers tickets at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Summer savers tickets at the Edinburgh Playhouse

ATG Entertainment launches their Summer Saver campaign with discounted tickets to over 100 shows including several at the Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE
Sheila Fleet Jewellery celebrates grand opening of new Edinburgh retail premises on Hanover Street

Sheila Fleet Jewellery celebrates grand opening of new Edinburgh retail premises on Hanover Street

Sheila Fleet is thrilled to announce the opening of her contemporary two-storey jewellery shop at 4 Hanover Street, just off Princes Street.

READ MORE
Calling artists and makers!

Calling artists and makers!

Leith Makers is excited to invite you to be a part of their upcoming collaborative exhibition: Leith Connections, running from 6th - 31st August.

READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

READ MORE
Manran to headline as Innis & Gunn bring the best of Scotland to the Mound for Fringe 2025

Manran to headline as Innis & Gunn bring the best of Scotland to the Mound for Fringe 2025

Scottish trad supergroup Mànran will headline a one-off live show on the Mound this month, as part of the return of Innis & Gunn's popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe takeover.

READ MORE
SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches the summer edition of its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches the summer edition of its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh launches its famed Champagne Afternoon Tea, with a refreshing summer spin, whilst guests enjoy unparalleled views from the restaurant’s home on the 10th floor of W Edinburgh!

READ MORE
Traverse Theatre announces Autumn 2025 season

Traverse Theatre announces Autumn 2025 season

Hot on the heels of a thrilling TravFest25 programme, the Traverse Theatre has announced the first details of the exciting work audiences can look forward to seeing in the venue from September.

READ MORE
New Edinburgh hotspot, The West End Garden, opens in the grounds of St Marys Cathedral

New Edinburgh hotspot, The West End Garden, opens in the grounds of St Marys Cathedral

Edinburgh's West End has welcomed an exciting new destination as Don't Tell Mama, the beloved local coffee shop, officially opens The West End Garden.

READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Launches Search for Director of Mischief

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Launches Search for Director of Mischief

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is excited to announce the creation of a brand new role, adding the first-ever 'Director of Mischief' position to its team.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes only sloth bear in Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes only sloth bear in Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed Scotland’s only sloth bear, Cipísek, from Zlin Zoo in the Czech Republic.

READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

READ MORE
Collective opens new programme inspired by the original panorama invented on Calton Hill

Collective opens new programme inspired by the original panorama invented on Calton Hill

Today, Collective is delighted to announce and open a new programme, Panorama: New Views of a City, running from Wednesday 9 July to Sunday 21 December 2025.

READ MORE
Get Creative at the LEGO Edinburgh Store this Summer

Get Creative at the LEGO Edinburgh Store this Summer

This summer, The LEGO Group is excited to bring its new Summer Fun with Music Creativity Workshop directly to families in Edinburgh!

READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

READ MORE
Meet Elphaba, Glinda and Stitch inspired characters at Fort Kinnaird this summer

Meet Elphaba, Glinda and Stitch inspired characters at Fort Kinnaird this summer

Families will have the chance to meet some of this year’s biggest blockbuster-inspired characters for free at Fort Kinnaird this summer, as part of a series of exciting meet and greet sessions.

READ MORE
The Famous Spiegeltent announces Edinburgh summer programme

The Famous Spiegeltent announces Edinburgh summer programme

This week, the globally acclaimed venue, The Famous Spiegeltent makes her grand return to St Andrew Square after almost a decade away from her spiritual home.

READ MORE
Community spirit is blooming in Newtongrange as award winning gardens are revealed

Community spirit is blooming in Newtongrange as award winning gardens are revealed

Newtongrange Community Council is now pleased to reveal the names of the green-fingered locals that stood out in this historic garden contest.

READ MORE
Dive into fun at Ocean Commotion Soft Play

Dive into fun at Ocean Commotion Soft Play

Dynamic Earth launches its Toddler Tidal and Deep-Sea Discovery Zones in a bid provide accessible enrichment for little ones across the Capital.

READ MORE
DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed Gold DofE Award holders to The Palace of Holyroodhouse this morning at a very special event to mark their achievements.

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive

Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive

Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.

READ MORE
Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh

Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh

A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird.

READ MORE
Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet

Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet

Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

READ MORE
Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced

Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced

Departing on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces  2025 Programme

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Programme

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Tea Green
ATG
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Link
Great Run Company
Open Pass Scotland
Paisley First
Fayre Play
Escape The Past
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Tea Green
ATG
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Corstorphine Art Group Annual Exhibition 2025
Come along to Corstorphine Art Group's Annual Exhibition with lots of wonderful members paintings for sale, at affordable prices!
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns from 11th to 20th July 2025, presenting a programme that spans the entire history of the music from ragtime to modern jazz to Chicago blues and beyond.
William Jack - This Old Cello Box
Experience Australian cellist and songwriter William Jack's unique multi-style cello performance live at St Giles' Cathedral as part of the Fringe!
The Boy from Bantay
The Boy from Bantay, follows Jeremy Rafal's life, career and love of cartoons from his boyhood in the Philippines to becoming a classical pianist, actor, writer, director, and educator.
Jack Jones - Broken Strap
Continuing the ongoing collaboration between Peter Doherty's Strap Originals & Promotional group Broken Wing Club. Broken Strap presents Jack Jones at Leith Arches!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall