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Compton Players

The Compton Players web site is at comptonplayers.co.uk. Facebook. Twitter: @PlayersCompton.

At the Abingdon Drama Festival on 18/06/2022, Helen Saxton won the Original Playwriting Award for In Her Defence.

Next production

Where

At the Village Hall, Compton (10 miles north of Newbury). Click here for a map.

Box office

Online via the web site (no booking fee).

About Compton Players

Compton Players have been producing plays every year since 1947. We always welcome new members, and we are looking not only for people who want to act, but also those who can construct scenery, or would like to learn how, those who can make or sew costumes, those with a knowledge of electrics and/or electronics, and those who would like to help with publicity, box-office and front of house. We normally rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and for most productions there are twelve weeks of rehearsals. It doesn't matter if you've had any previous experience or not.

Contact Compton Players

Our chairman is Helen Saxton - contact her by .

Reviews of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

14th June 2025

Review from Freelance Arts.

A gritty and gripping triumph

Compton Players’ new production of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, adapted and directed by Pete Watt, opened last night with impact and intent. Set in 1979 London - cleverly grounded by a Thatcher voiceover that kicks off the show - this adaptation throws Stevenson’s classic tale into a world of political tension, punk anger and inner-city decay.

What follows is a tight, energetic production that blends the psychological with the political. Watt’s script is lean, sharp, and human - and the cast deliver it with real conviction. The soundtrack, featuring scene change tracks by The Jam and The Clash, is more than just period colour; it drives the action, with the full ensemble executing choreographed transitions that keep the momentum racing. The ensemble never leave the stage, creating a constant atmosphere of watchfulness and tension.

Pete Watt leads as Dr Jekyll, giving a performance full of restraint and rising panic. His Jekyll is haunted and hopeful, desperate to maintain control. George Buckand’s Hyde is twitchy, volatile, and convincingly dangerous - a man who makes you lean back in your seat whenever he enters.

Helen Saxton plays Gabrielle Utterson with calm authority and moral drive, giving the production its emotional centre. Eric Saxton is quietly powerful as Dr Lanyon, whose slow unravelling adds depth to the latter half of the play.

Caroline Edwards, as Poole, Jekyll’s PA, brings sharp timing and a no-nonsense attitude that provides just the right amount of tension-breaking grit. Hollie Genevieve, as Enfield, plays her scenes with real sensitivity and care, giving the audience a voice of quiet empathy amidst the chaos.

Phil Prior is a confident presence as Inspector Newcomen, driving the investigation forward, while Christina Moore adds a memorable dash of stoic realism as Hyde’s landlady.

What really sells this production is its cohesion. Every member of the cast contributes to the atmosphere and pacing. The minimalist set, coupled with moody lighting and that punchy soundtrack, lets the performances take centre stage. It’s fast-moving, gripping, and emotionally resonant - everything you want from a modern adaptation of a classic.

Compton Players have pulled off something ambitious and impressive. Don’t miss it.

JANET ANDERTON

Review from The Newbury Weekly News.

Modern day monster unleashed

"gothic allegorical tale of moral corruption... striking set design and atmospheric lighting... compelling viewing"
[The full review is currently on Newbury Today and will appear here soon]

AMANDA HOLLIDAY

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