The Film

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the 1920 film adaptation directed by John S. Robertson is one of the earliest and most influential screen interpretations of the story.

Emerging during the formative years of American feature filmmaking, it helped establish psychological horror as a serious cinematic form.

John Barrymore’s performance is central to the film’s reputation. His physical transformation from Jekyll to Hyde, achieved without modern visual effects, became a touchstone for later adaptations and remains a striking example of early screen acting technique.

The Music

The new score for this adaptation features a collection of works by celebrated composers from the Western classical tradition.

The pieces are presented through original arrangements performed in the FB Pocket Orchestra’s distinctive style, combining acoustic instruments with synthesisers, electronics and music technology.

The resulting symphonic sound brings music that might otherwise be inaccessible to intimate and extraordinary venues.

The Orchestra

The FB Pocket Orchestra is an ensemble focused on contemporary instrumental performance.

They adapt symphonic, orchestral, folk and early twentieth-century repertoire for small ensembles and modern audiences.

Following their first live-to-film project, Scrooge – Live to Film, the ensemble now applies the same approach to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, combining historical repertoire and original composition in a thrilling live performance.

Reviews

“Testament to the power of early cinema.”

— Classic Horror

“The Orchestra delivers a powerful musical punch… performing with consummate skill.”

— Audience review

“FB Pocket Orchestra were magnificent. Such a full, melodic, triumphant accompaniment.”

— Audience review