Nick Lane’s adaptation of Dracula has brought Bram Stoker’s gothic novel to the stage in a fresh and exciting way.
I’ve seen Dracula several times, but I have to admit, this has definitely been my favourite.
The small ensemble of six actors – Maya-Nika Bewley, David Chafer, Richard Keightley, Pelé Kelland-Beau, Marie Osman and Harry Rundle – play multiple parts brilliantly using costumes and accents to change between their characters.
Including three actors playing Dracula as he gets gradually younger. The story focused on five clear chapters, starting with Harker’s journey to Transylvania, The Demeter setting sail, Whitby, Renfield, where it runs alongside the first three chapters and finally the pursuit of Dracula.
The action changed between small scenes interspersed with narration across the actors as they relate the story through letters, diary extracts and newspaper articles. This style perfectly fitted the story.
The multi-leveled set, designed by Victoria Spearing, is static, yet it perfectly allowed the imagination to be in many different locations with its versatility.
With the moving of a few props and boxes, it instantly transformed us to being onboard the Demeter or Renfield’s cell.
The lighting, designed by Naomi Gibbs, perfectly complementing the action and the set. The haunting songs by Tristan Parkes increased the atmosphere.
This is one version of Dracula which really isn’t to be missed.
Runs until Saturday April 12, Darlington Hippodrome.
