The National Theatre launches the school tour of “Jekyll & Hyde,” directed by Kirsty Housley, expected to impact over 10,000 students from 60 state secondary schools across England. Running from January 9 to March 16, 2024, the tour explores societal issues, merging Victorian England with the contemporary era, addressing identity, online personas, culpability, and the right to protest.
Tackling Social Issues:
In a reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, the National Theatre‘s Jekyll & Hyde focuses on how the repression of female voices remains prevalent today. This approach aims to extend education beyond the classroom, inspiring students to engage with pressing issues through the lens of the arts.
Promoting Accessibility:
Amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the school tour by the National Theatre holds significance. Kirsty Housley, Director of Jekyll & Hyde, notes the radical nature of bringing theatre directly to young people during challenging times. Recognizing that many families are struggling, and a trip to the theatre is a luxury some can’t afford, the National Theatre’s initiative becomes a vital effort to make the arts accessible to all.



Diverse Tour Locations:
Partnering with local theatres, the production will visit schools across Greater Manchester, Sunderland, Leicester, Stoke, Peterborough, Wakefield, Doncaster, Wolverhampton, Hornchurch, and North Devon. Additionally, The Lowry in Salford will host two public performances on January 12 and 13, contributing to strengthening ties between schools and local venues.
Newly Released Production Images:
Adding to the anticipation, the National Theatre has released some wonderful production images, providing a peek into the experience awaiting students and the public alike. These images offer a sneak peek into the innovative staging and dynamic performances that await audiences.
Cast and Creative Team:
The cast, including Sophie Atherton, Philip Bosworth, Wesley Bozonga, Ellie Gallimore, Dan Nash, Angela Jones, Andy Sellers, and Lucy Elizabeth Thorburn, will bring this new vision of Jekyll & Hyde to life. Costume and set designs by Amanda Stoodley, lighting design by Joshua Pharo, and sound design by Benjamin Grant will doubtlessly enhance the immersive experience.



Empowering Future Creativity:
The tour is part of the National Theatre’s Theatre Nation Partnerships network, focusing on growing and sustaining new audiences for live theatre. Moreover, it emphasizes the essential role of arts and creativity in education, inspiring the future workforce of the sector. Partner theatres include Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Theatre Royal Wakefield, CAST in Doncaster, Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire, The Wolverhampton Grand, Curve in Leicester, Landmark Theatres in North Devon and Peterborough, Restoke, Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall in Stoke, Trowbridge Town Hall and The Lowry in Salford.
For more information about National Theatre and Theatre Nation Partnerships, visit the NT Website.
For tickets to the public performances at The Lowry on January 12 and 13, please visit The Lowry website.
Tour Details – Jekyll & Hyde
Venues, Dates:
Greater Manchester: 8 – 12 Jan
Sunderland: 15 – 19 Jan
Leicester: 22 – 26 Jan
Stoke: 29 Jan – 2 Feb
Peterborough: 5 – 9 Feb
Wakefield and Doncaster: 19 – 22 Feb
Wolverhampton: 26 Feb – 1 Mar
Hornchurch: 4 – 8 Mar
North Devon: 11 – 15 Mar















