DRACULA - (THE BLOODY TRUTH)

A veritable tour de force for the director and actors – for what was one of those plays that must have been very difficult to direct, as the four actors covered around 50 different character changes over the course of the play.  It was directed in a slightly tongue-in-cheek way, with asides to the audience, and much raising of eyebrows and grimaces – all very apt.  However, although I found it funny, I was aware there were a number of people in the audience who didn’t – which is always the case with a fast-moving play and so many costume/person changes.

The story was very clear, which was good, and technically there was much to commend.  The scenery was all very in keeping with the time and setting, with some super props – I am thinking particularly of the wardrobe and the sleigh, which were very sturdy and double as a number of other props.  I felt the pulling of the tabs was perhaps not quite as slick as it could have been on the night I was there, but the fact that everything ran fairly seamlessly without blackouts as such, was excellent.  I loved the gravestone with its inscription -  “IZZY DEADYET  1666 1796”  - a fun and amusing touch.  The scene where the head of the corpse was chopped off was also accomplished very well.

The lighting was good, in that it echoed the mood of each scene, but the cast were always well-lit.  Sound effects were well-directed with suitable music, which enhanced the action.

Costumes were generally good – they started to look a bit untidy towards the end, but that was only to be expected when they were being ripped off and thrown on again so often!!  I would have liked Sarah to have worn her hair back from her face, as it didn’t look right for the male characters she played.

Choreography, mostly in the form of movement was interesting.  The final musical number was unexpected, but the cast acquitted themselves well.

John O’Leary-Fawcett played Van Helsing – narrating and occasionally allowed out of his room to participate in a scene! – I liked the opening, with his head under the cloche on the table – gave us a good idea of what we could expect! 

Emma Loveday’s main role was Dracula, which she played with convincing evilness, whilst giving us diversity in her other characters.  I note Emma also assisted the choreographer.

Jo White’s main role was Mina – I enjoyed all of Jo’s portrayals, as she once again showed her versatility.

Sarah Cunnane played Jonathan Harker, which she did well, whilst moving in and out of the male and female characters with apparent ease.

A good set of actors who had to be very sure of each other in such a fast moving piece – I enjoyed observing the various interactions between the divergent characters and their undoubted commitment to the play and each other.

My thanks to the Director for his welcome, and his insight into what went into the production that we witnessed and enjoyed.  A good, if slightly warm, evening, the fans provided by the management were an excellent idea – thank you!

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