Dracula

DRACULA by Bram Stoker, in various version, has been around for many years and there have been numerous interpretations via film and theatre. This version, adapted by Pete Watt, starts aboard the ship bound for Whitby but the action takes place in flashback and, additionally, differs to many interpretations, by having the narrative driven by the Strigois (Vampires?) via journals and other principal characters.  

The scenery, set and props  were all excellent.   The set had been cleverly designed to maximise the available space and depicted the various locations; castle, ship, lunatic asylum.

The costumes, hair and make up were were fantastic with all cast being dressed relevant to their character. Dracula was suitably garbed in black.    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 including the vampires.

The sound was excellent with great use of music for tension and atmosphere, especially when Dracula was ‘hypnotising’ Lucy with the dance.  The special effects, use of fake blood and creating the transfusion scene were very good and enhanced the production.

Overall this was an enjoyable production.  Naomi Read deserves special praise for her controlled and convincing portrayal of Bella Reinfield while in the lunatic asylum.  Equally, Pete Watt in the title role was commanding and controlling.   The pace was, at times, rather slow and therefore lost some momentum.    However, the story with its quirks and surprises was well received by the appreciative audience.  Well done Compton!

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