Carfax Asylum

Carfax Asylum by David R Roberts, is a retelling of the Dracula story.  It's set in Carfax Asylum, in the study of Dr Rosalind (Jack) Seward when a man is brought to her, in chains, who is thought to be dangerous and deranged.    She is tasked with understanding and/or controlling his outbursts and rantings.    

The set was of the highest quality and in keeping with the period of the story with its dramatic stonework, high windows, arches, wooden beams and oil lamps.  It was beautifully decorated with draping transparent curtains which complemented the gothic theme.   The furniture was mainly dark wood and included a bureau, treatment chair, day bed and bookcases.    The props included scientific equipment, notebooks, garlic plants and cudgels.

The costumes were in line with the Victorian setting.  Dr Seward was very smart in her practical skirt, blouse and waistcoat.    The porters had caps and aprons denoting their occupation.  The prisoner was suitably shabby and at one point wore a straight-jacket.   The count was imposing in his red waistcoat and swooping black cape.    The gentlemen: Van Helsing and Lord Arthur had smart Victorian style suits fashioned to match their status.   Mina and Lucy were smartly dressed in Victorian full length skirt suits with jackets and hats.   

The lighting was effective throughout, well controlled and used imaginatively and creatively to emphasise the change of setting and atmosphere.  It changed from a blue tinge to red for when tension was reaching boiling point when the special effects were employed and smoke burst out from the crate, containing the count.    The lighting was brighter when Lucy rose from the dead and this emphasised the whiteness of the sheets and her gown.   

This was the premiere of the play, written by David R Roberts who also appeared as Renfield/Jonathan Harker.  It is a well-constructed play that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. There was good ensemble acting with the cast creating an eerie atmosphere at times as the script encompassed desire, fear, consent and love.     There were moments of high tension such as when Renfield has flashbacks and the audience are drawn into his delusions when the Shadow Vampires appear.   There was a particularly chilling interlude when Mina ‘speaks’ as the count.  Another shocking moment was when Lucy rises from under the sheet and the final chilling twist when we realise that Mina now has a taste for blood.  This was a memorable piece of theatre and it deserves to be seen by a wider audience.  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.