Dracula

DRACULA by Bram Stoker and adapted by John Godber and Jane Thornton is a creepy, chilling and unsettling story that capitalises on the Vampire story which may, or may not, be fact. It reflects the norms and values of the time and includes sexual repression, desire and mental illness. 

The set was minimal with various areas decorated to show the Castle library etc and lighting changes for the asylum. The props were good with attention to detail such as Van Helsing’s bag and transfusion kit, the coffin, mallet and crosses.

The costumes were excellent with all cast being dressed relevant to their character. Dracula was suitably garbed in black with touches of red (with fabulous make-up) Van Helsing had a dress/suit that reflected her status in society and Renfield’s asylum dress was plain and in keeping with the period. Jonathan Harker’s suit was very smart and well fitted and, again, in keeping with the period as were all other characters ranging from beautiful day dresses, to servant’s uniform and nightgowns.

The lighting was effective and well controlled with good use of smoke for atmosphere. The change to red lighting for the first sight of blood (when Harker cuts himself shaving) was creepy and added to the intensity of the action. There was great and inventive use of video screen although at times, the cast masked what was written on the screen.

Director Gill Richardson, her creative team and actors should be enormously proud of this very polished production designed and performed with professionalism and class. The audience were totally absorbed throughout and everything about ‘Dracula’ was well thought out and executed.

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