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SEEING DOUBLE: Royston Bayfield (far left) and Kathryn Stott (far right) with Jekyll & Hyde' cast members Lisa Simpson (playing Lucy), Caroline Bright (playing Emma) and Simon Monte (playing Jekyll and Hyde).

Leeds optician and theatre director Royston Bayfield is having double the fun directing the latest stage production by the acclaimed The Grove and Rawdon Theatre Company.

That's because Royston and his cast will be presenting the two-faced gothic musical Jekyll and Hyde' at Yeadon Town Hall from May 13-17.

Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, and with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll and Hyde' tells the chilling tale of split personality Dr Jekyll, who unleashes his murderous alter ego upon Victorian London, and the mad, bad and dangerous Edward Hyde.

Royston Bayfield knows just what it's like to have a dual persona. By day he's a sought-after optometrist, and co-owns Bayfield & Bartlam Opticians in Headingley and University Vision on the Leeds University campus with his business partner Louise Bartlam.

In his day job, Royston is on a mission to create a new kind of opticians with its own friendly, laid-back atmosphere and range of distinctive products and services.

But by night he transforms into a respected theatre director responsible for a run of hit shows.

Royston recently directed a full-on, kit-off version of The Full Monty'. And while the clothes stay on in Jekyll and Hyde' the production is destined for similar sold-out success.

"People are always surprised to find that my day job is optometry and my evening job is working as a theatre director. But I love both careers," said Royston.

"I'm passionate about science and I'm passionate about the theatre. I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. I believe you can combine both - and I guess that's what I do every day."

To further combine Royston's two lives, the production of Jekyll and Hyde' is sponsored by Kathryn Stott Optometrists, the Yeadon practice where Royston trained.

Said Kathryn Stott: "Kathryn Stott Optometrists has always been a friendly, welcoming practice with a mission to serve the local community . Our connection to The Grove and Rawdon Theatre Company began about five years ago, when Royston came to work at our practice for a year. Their performances are always outstanding and we are pleased to continue our association with them."

For tickets ring the booking hotline on 0700 044 6267 or book online at www.groveandrawdon.org.uk

2:52pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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