Morley’s NK is springboard for NT touring production

The National Theatre has released a series of production images for its new version of Jekyll & Hyde, all of them taken at Morley’s North Kensington Centre for Skills, where the production has been rehearsed ahead of a national schools tour.

Directed by Kirsty Housley, the 9-week tour of Evan Placey’s Jekyll & Hyde will be watched by over 10,000 students from 60 state secondary across the country.

Craig Hanlon-Smith, Centre Principal for the North Kensington Centre for Skills, said: “We’re thrilled to have played host to a production that will be seen by thousands in the coming months.

“It’s a continuation of our partnership with the National Theatre, which has also involved a Careers Fair and employability workshops, writing for new young writers programme, public speaking and confidence development, and multiple opportunities for staff and students to see performances at the National on the South Bank in the past year.

“I look forward to the coming year as the partnership continues to develop.“

The production – a reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale – sees Victorian England merged with the modern day as it explores how the repression of female voices can be as prevalent today as it was in the 19th century.

Confronting contemporary social issues such as identity, online personas, culpability and the right to protest, the production aims to bring education beyond the classroom and inspire students to engage with topical issues through the arts.

Morley’s Chief People Officer Alison McNamara, who was alongside Morley students in the audience for a special preview performance last week, said: “What an amazing opportunity to see our new performance space used by one of the country’s leading theatre companies for this wonderful production.

“Thought provoking, beautifully staged and superbly acted, I loved every second of it…and I know the students did too.“

Watch this space for more news about the production’s return to London in due course…