Setting: The scene starts with a common 18th century style bedroom where a servant who once worked for a Dr. David J. Jekyll is sitting by the bedside of his/her grandchildren in a very homely like fashion with a slight yet not thunderous drizzle of rain falling to the ground. As the telling of tale progresses the scene shifts to that of the lab where Dr. Jekyll is working on his latest experiment and the dialogue transitions from the narrator to Dr. Jekyll which is located at another point on the stage. Where the lighting has since then changed focus.
Characters:
Dr. David J. Jekyll; Scientists bent on the idea that man is made of two sides and devises a way to prove this theory using chemicals. Is considered by some a recluse but does have a social life away from his home.
Edward P. Hyde: Evil counter part of Dr. Jekyll and came as a result of his experiment.
Lab Assistant: Employee of Dr. Jekyll whom works with him and provides assistance when required but generally is in the role of a butler.
Dr. Robert Layton: Friend of Dr. Jekyll but no longer is as a result of a disagreement on scientific matters.
Robert J. Poole: Retried employee of Dr. Jekyll whom was the butler while in his service.
Grandchildren: A boy and a girl whom of which are roughly the age of 7 and 8, and related to the since retired servant.
Scene 1
Setting: A medium sized 18th century style bedroom where rain drizzling down outside the bedroom window occasionally picking up speed and then calming down. The speed of the wind changes with each passing minute of the night.
Children: {Still awake and full of energy but are in the bed as it is bed time} Grandpa Poole, what was it like working for Dr. .Jekyll and that time he created Mr. Hyde? (They calm down a bit, but are still full of energy getting settled into the bed}
Poole: Now! Now! Settle down children as I will tell you that ever so unusual tale of tales. {The grandkids finally get settled in bed awaiting to hear the story) It all started on that faithful day when a friend of Dr. Jekyll’s, a Dr. Robert Lanyon I believe his name was were having a discussion on his theory that man has two parts a good and bad side…. [The lighting/scene shift to a different area of the stage where the two doctors can be seen in what looks like a common room having a discussion} They were good friends for the longest of time but as a result of their discussion their relationship changed.
Dr. Lanyon: Jekyll, the shear idea of what you have proposed is utterly crazy and preposterous. It is just not cricket or even an idea worth considering for scientific study. Use your talents for something useful.
Dr. Jekyll: Lanyon I believe it is possible and though the use of the right chemicals, {speaking in a strong defensive voice} Man can split itself into two parts. Like I have mentioned already: “Man has two sides, good and bad,” by doing it would allow for the development of what some might consider to be a perfect person. I for one believe that such a drug could be made! Say what you will but in due time I will surely prove you wrong!
Dr. Lanyon: think what you will but don’t come crawling back to me when you realize that your research was a waste of time. Especially when there are better things you can spend your time developing or better yet doing for king and country! {Lanyon storms out of the house with a bit of an annoyed expression knowing in his mind that such frivolous ideas as mentioned by Dr. Jekyll were crazy.}
{Scene shifts back to the children and their grandfather for a few moments}
Poole: A few weeks later Mr. Jekyll finally came close to proving Dr. Lanyon wrong. By making the discovery that would turn him into Edward J. Hyde! Thus beginning the fantastic mystery that was soon to come. {Speaking in a mysterious tone of voice as to keep the children interested in the story]
[The children listen quietly wondering as to what is yet to come. The scene changes to lab environment to where the audience finds Dr. Jekyll is working on his split personality formula and is about ready to test it for the first time.]
Dr. Jekyll: HAHA I believe I have finally determined the formula I need to finally remove my bad side of my personality for good. {With trembling hands and the flask at the ready consumes the yellowish colored liquid, turning an unusual pinkish color. Falling down below the table with noises indicating a change is occurring, slowly rising up Jekyll has transformed into Mr. Hyde.]
Hyde: It seem as though I have finally been released from my prison. But what if someone sees what I have become? {He quickly drinks the antidote and same action as previously mentioned occurs.}
Jekyll: But I first should at least inform the staff of my evil half’s coming as he shall be known as Edward J. Hyde! [He leaves the room and informs the staff about Mr. Hyde.}
End of scene 1
