Dracula at Lichfield Garrick Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lindsay Burton
Nick Lane’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s adventure is a masterful theatrical production that combines Victorian Gothic and contemporary elements. It features Blackeyed Theatre’s signature ensemble performance style, a haunting soundscape, strong performances, and inventive design for an exciting theatrical experience. With a cast of only six people, from the second the show started, a thick, eerie tension filled the air, like the theatre itself is holding its breath. From the moment it started, the theatre transformed into a dark, gothic world where every shadow felt alive.
Based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name, Dracula, the Gothic horror story tells a tale that helped define the modern image of the vampire. The narrative unfolds through an engaging collection of diary entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, which effectively establish a vivid sense of realism and personal connection. It opens with Jonathan Harker (portrayed by Pele Kelland-Beau), a young English solicitor, who embarks on a journey to Transylvania to aid Count Dracula in acquiring property in England.
However, Harker quickly discovers that he is trapped within Dracula’s castle, and that the Count harbours sinister intentions as a vampire seeking to extend his dominion into the West. Dracula travels to England, where he begins to prey on Marie Osman (Lucy Westenra), a young woman engaged to Arthur Holmwood (Harry Rundle). Despite the efforts of her friends and a Dutch physician, Professor Abraham Van Helsing (David Chafer), Lucy dies and is transformed into a vampire. Van Helsing and the others destroy her undead body, vowing to stop Dracula.
The group—including Harker, his fiancée Mina (who later becomes Harker’s wife and played by Maya-Nika Bewley), Dr. Seward (Richard Keightley), Arthur, and the American Quincey Morris (Pele Kelland-Beau)—track Dracula across England, trying to thwart his plans. Dracula begins to feed on Mina, who starts to exhibit signs of vampirism. The group uses hypnosis, religious symbols, and scientific methods to combat him.
Eventually, the chase leads back to Transylvania. In a climactic confrontation, they intercept Dracula’s coffin just before he reaches his castle. Quincey Morris is mortally wounded but manages to help destroy Dracula, who crumbles into dust. Mina is saved, and the vampiric curse is lifted.
I think the most unique feature of all was that three actors played the role of Dracula at various stages of the story. David Chafer, Richard Keightley and Harry Rundle all make the role their very own and even though my 11-year-old daughter did not notice the change in actor, the fact that the portrayal almost showed Dracula as becoming more powerful, as if gaining more power in the West allows him to become younger, stronger.
The age-old story explores themes of modernity versus ancient evil, sexuality, gender roles, colonialism, and the clash between science and superstition. Count Dracula, with his supernatural powers and foreign origin, represents a threat to the Victorian ideals of order and rationality. Meanwhile, the unity and courage of the protagonists reflect the era’s belief in progress and moral strength.
A big shout out to the creative team for transforming the stage in such an exquisite manner. Tristan Parkes – Composer and sound designer – showed absolute talent and skill for the sound effects of this show. Victoria spearing as the set designer and Naomi Gibbs as the costume designer both added to the brilliance of the end product, which is the show.
Dracula remains a landmark in horror literature, blending folklore, fear of the unknown, and societal anxieties into a chilling narrative that continues to influence vampire fiction and pop culture to this day. This show is on at Lichfield Garrick Theatre today and something that should be seen.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets start at £25 (£18 for under 18’s) and can be purchased from www.lichfieldgarrick.com