By Observer Features
As part of a UK tour, actor Mark Stratford is bringing his two 5-star reviewed solo shows to the Ventnor Fringe later this month.
“As each is set in the Victorian period, they can use the same costumes, furniture and props,” explains Mark, “which means I can fit both into the back of my single van. Well, I say ‘van,’ I actually mean my Vauxhall Zafira.”
The first show is ‘Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend’, which tells the fascinating true story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macready – the man to whom Charles Dickens dedicated Nicholas Nickleby.
The second is ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ – a faithful retelling of the classic tale by R.L. Stevenson of the inexorable conflict between good and evil. Mark plays all the characters, including the good doctor and the evil Hyde. “The biggest challenge is where I physically transform from Jekyll into the loathsome and sinister Hyde,” Mark explains, “Hyde has a powerful energy and playing him is both exciting and exhausting. It’s such a compelling story that I hope the audience, having booked their seats, will spend the rest of the evening on the edge of them!”
‘Macready!’ and ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ will be performed on July 19 and 20, at 2pm, at Ingrams Yard, Dudley Road, Ventnor. Tickets can be purchased online at vfringe.co.uk.