Blackeyed Theatre presents an adapted version by Nick Lane of Dracula. The novel by Bram Stoker has a huge cult following and has been adapted many times for the stage, television, audiobooks and film over hhe years with each version slightly different.

The stage by set designer Victoria  Sperring offers an atmospheric setting for the deadly Count Dracula story where it proves that nobody is safe from his reach. The interchangeable staging allows the cast to move part of it and create another scene in the storyline as it travels from Transylvania to England.

Narration is shared throughout the performance by the cast of six, who also play a range of characters throughout. Dracula is shared between three of the cast each one adding a slightly different tone and depth to the ruthless vampire. It’s clear who is currently in the role on stage by the striking black patterned coat that identifies him. Although there are no fangs in sight, these are left for the audience’s imagination to create.

The deadly stare by Harry Rundle in the role of Dracula raised the hairs on the back of my neck. It was brief but had a powerful impact, keep an eye out for it.

In Nick Lanes’ version there’s no blood and gore onstage or timings that need to be exact by the cast. That part is also left to the imagination of the audience and their interpretation of what takes place, each one will be different and I prefer this perspective as you don’t have to watch the crew quickly tidy the stage back up.

This version isn’t perfect and the storyline is stripped back to the minimum amount of details required to tell the story. However, it is an adaptation not a complete replica of the book, and would be a good introduction for anyone coming to the novel for the first time. After all this story has stood the test and is still popular today and will continue to be recreated and adapted.

For more information about Dracula and future productions at Theatre Royal Winchester please visit the link below.

Four Star.

https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/dracula

Dracula

Adapted by Nick Lane, this brilliant, theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian Gothic with the contemporary, showcasing Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble performance style and featuring a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience.