It’s a balmy Wednesday afternoon in late April. A ray of sun slices through the open door onto the Richard Taunton Sixth Form College studio floor. Acting, performing arts, and music students line the dark perimeter, separated by a production team whose eyes and cameras are trained on the scene playing out before them. The story: Jekyll and Hyde.
On the floor Mason Bartlett, playing Doctor Jekyll and the murderous Mr Hyde, wrestles with The Bishop of Basingstoke, a role for fellow student Joseph Lee. It’s under two weeks to launch night of Jekyll and Hyde which runs from 13th to 15 May 2025 at Southampton College. Taking a break from their tussle, Mason reflected on rehearsals.
“They have gone very good. I think I am doing a lot better than I thought I would and I’m excited to see how it progresses. It’s great being in this team, everyone brings so much to the table. Everyone has different abilities and it’s nice to see all those different abilities work together.” Mason said.
Over 40 students from Richard Taunton are showing off their creative talents, ably supported by Production Arts students from Southampton College. After some suggestions about how to perform the role to Mason, Rob Collier (Director) was equally keen to praise his cast and crew.
“As always, our students have excelled in the development of an outstanding piece of Musical Theatre. Jekyll and Hyde marks a significant change of style from last year and the students have approached this challenge with their usual outstanding work ethic. We have continued the development of our relationship with Southampton College Production Arts students. The working partnership between the two colleges goes from strength to strength and we are very grateful for their ongoing support.”
For some, the show might just be a stepping stone on a journey into the creative industries. One such student Charlie Morse (playing Sir Danvers Carew) had clearly grasped a guiding hand.
“I have always had a passion for acting: it started mostly in secondary school but since coming here and working with Rob I have really grown as an actor. He’s been absolutely incredible. He’s really helped me mature, both as an actor and as a person.”
Meanwhile Joseph, with dreams of a career on The West End or Broadway, saw how important advice from peers, and not just teachers, can be.
“I feel peer feedback is really important too as within the industry you can be vulnerable and it’s not just the director you need to take feedback from. It’s important to get along and work together, even when backstage.”
A few frenzied moments later, Mason, Joseph, Charlie and the rest of the ensemble settle back into position. Rob shuffles his script, a hush descends and rehearsals resume.
