The Company of Ten

Based on the novella of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson which was first published in 1886, this classic mystery tale about the inexorable conflict between good and evil has been faithfully abridged and adapted for the stage by Mark Waghorn. Waghorn is also the performer of this 55-minute play in a production directed by Jo Emery. Their aim is thrill their audiences by bringing Stevenson's gripping narrative and fascinating array of characters vividly to life through a combination of powerful story-telling and stunning physical theatre.

Central to the piece is the character of Gabriel John Utterson. Utterson is Dr Henry Jekyll's lawyer and most trusted friend. Deeply concerned by a strange clause in his friend's will, Utterson feels compelled to investigate the sinister Edward Hyde – Jekyll's unlikely protege. Convinced that Jekyll and Hyde's relationship is founded on blackmail, Utterson embarks on a quest to learn more, but - as he does so - he finds the truth to be far worse than he could have ever imagined.

The play is set in Victorian London, in a large meeting room at Scotland Yard, where Utterson and Inspector Newcomen recount for a select audience the climactic events that unfolded at Dr Jekyll's house the night before and, in so doing, explain the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.