The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde (Told by a Mad Hatter from Stockport)
★★★☆☆ Atmospheric
Greenside @ Riddles Court (Venue 16): Fri 7 – Sat 29 Aug 2026
Review by Juliette Johnstone
The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde (Told by a Mad Hatter from Stockport) is a quiet historical comedy from Tall History Tales, which provides a bit of respite from the hurly burly of the Festival, despite being located in Riddles Court, just moments from the Royal Mile.
Stepping inside this calm and simple space is to slow down for an hour of engaging storytelling with no special effects, no flashing lights and no loud noises. Even better, the story’s theme couldn’t be more local.
Andy Dickinson in The Tale of the Original Jekyll and Hyde. Pic: Mihaela Bodlovic
A stone’s throw from Riddles Court lies Deacon Brodies Tavern, an inn commemorating the infamous 18th Century tradesman and town councillor turned burglar. This show tells his tale. Anybody interested in Edinburgh’s colourful history will find the show captivating, and will leave having learned a little more about this storied city.
Accomplished performer Andy Dickinson revives his character Stanley, a mercury-addled hatter from Stockton, England. In this latest outing his love for whisky draws him to Edinburgh whereupon he meets Brodie and goes straight into a compromising situation – and the crime escapade begins.
Dickinson’s solo performance is no mean feat. He portrays Stanley with gentle charm and wry humour, establishing an early rapport with the audience. He uses no props besides a bottle, a hip flask and a stool, relying instead on the strength of the narrative, with repeated physical gestures and phrases to suggest actions and build up the characters of Brodie and Stanley.
well-researched
Dickinson also wrote the clever, well-researched script, which invokes local flavour and atmosphere by going on a verbal chase between nearby buildings such as St Giles and the Tolbooth, as well as using a sprinkling of Edinburgh slang.
Ellen Malpas’ technical support and Dominic Brennan’s sound design help sustain the story, adding footsteps, tolling bells, heartbeats, and keys turning in locks; while the instrumental music is minimal but effective. The lighting is also pared down, creating changes of mood or location through simple colour washes.
Here, a trick may have been missed. The plain backdrop could have been used to project a cityscape, an interior, something to add depth and visual interest to the story. Perhaps wisely though, director Ricci Dedola has decided to let the material and the actor speak for themselves.
Running time: 55 minutes (no interval).
Greenside @ Riddle’s Court (Willow Studio), 322 Lawnmarket EH1 2PG (Venue 16).
Friday 7 August – Saturday 29 August 2026.
Mon – Sat: 2pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tall History Tales website: tallhistorytales.co.uk
Facebook: @TallHistoryTales
Instagram: @tallhistorytales
