Dracula

On a hot June evening we all descended on Framlingham College with these beautiful surroundings bathed in sunshine.  Inside the theatre however it was anything but bright and sunny. The set consisted of a series of ramps and steps leading to an upper area with doors and windows set at odd angles. It was suitably dark and sinister looking with mist swirling around and red spotlights playing down on the stage area.

This adaptation for the stage by David Calcutt was taken from the novel written in 1897 by Bram Stoker. It tells of a young lawyer, Jonathan Harker played by Oscar Ward. He is sent to Transylvania to the castle of  a Count Dracula to complete some legal work. Oscar captures the character well as he plays the part of a determined young man intent on getting his mission accomplished as quickly and efficiently as possible. He narrates the play as his long journey continues; (in this case up and down the steps and ramps) not an easy task with so much dialogue to deliver. He eventually reaches his destination despite warnings from the local landlady who tries to dissuade him and gives him her crucifix.  He soon discovers this is not a straightforward mission as he meets his sinister client and narrowly escapes from three female vampires. He is then imprisoned in the castle before Dracula leaves for England. Dracula on this occasion is portrayed by three characters, Ella Ogilvie, Bella Elderton and Sebby Adams-Eaton who work together simultaneously as the dialogue flows smoothly between them whilst maintaining the pace. The Director, Ted Moore wanted to pick up on the concept of different aspects of his persona and these three young actors achieve that well.

Back in England Harker’s fiancée  Mina (Lucia Sanchez-Leost) and her friend Lucy Westenra (Frances Carvill) discuss Lucy’s forthcoming marriage. However as time goes by Jonathon does not return and  Mina is  also concerned as she notices 2 small red marks on Lucy’s neck and her friend becomes progressively ill.  She is looked after by Dr John Seward (Charlie Whelan). We also meet her other two suitors and friends,  Quincey  Morris (Arthur Cook) and Arthur Holmwood. Holmwood was supposed to be played by Jack Byrne who was unfortunately taken ill at the last minute and the DSM, Charlie Harvey  took up the book and went on in his place. Congratulations must go to him who did a splendid job at such short notice.   Indeed all these 5 main characters gelled together beautifully and were convincing in their characterisation.  The other standout character in this production was Renfield who had been committed to an asylum.  This was an excellent portrayal by Daniel Bayman and it was obvious that he had really studied his characterisation in great depth as he crawled around the floor looking for flies and spiders he could eat to quench his lust for blood.

This is an incredibly wordy play and all the 21 students ranging in age from 13 to 15 years had obviously worked hard in their study of this difficult script.

It is good to see that the college also involves the students in the majority of the production positions which gives them a well rounded view of all aspects of theatre rather than just being onstage actors.  I have already mentioned the set which was enhanced by some good lighting. The other pieces of set were changed efficiently despite some of them looking rather heavy to lift but this did not detract from the acting going on around them and maintaining the pace.  The costumes all looked good and appropriate for the period. The front of house students were all friendly and welcoming.  Thanks must go to them all for giving us and their appreciative audience a thoroughly spine chilling evening. Thanks also to Ted Moore for inviting us and for your hospitality.

Catherine Dixey

NODA East, District 12 Representative

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