Live performances for young people and nationwide schools touring returned in January 2022, with a reimagined version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale Jekyll & Hyde by playwright Evan Placey.

Specially adapted in a new version for schools touring, the production was directed by Kirsty Housley. In a mash up of Victorian England and the modern day, the story explored how the repression of female voices is as prevalent in the 19th century as it is today.

The story centred around two new protagonists – Hattie, Jekyll’s widow, and Flossie, a young blogger in the 21st century. With these new narratives, the audience were confronted by the power the internet holds to unleash our own inner Hydes.

With support from our partner theatres, the production reached almost 7,000 secondary pupils nationwide in 38 schools in a targeted tour from February – April 2022. The schools tour forms part of the NT’s Theatre Nation Partnerships to grow and sustain new audiences for live theatre.

A new schools tour for 2023 is currently in development.

Photograph by The Other Richard