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Dracula Derby Theatre **** The phrase “landmark production” is much abused and over used. For once, here, it is justified. One hundred years ago, on 15th May 1924, Hamilton Deane’s stage production of Dracula premiered at the Grand Theatre, Derby in an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Multiple cinematic and television incarnations have appeared over the years distorting and evolving Stoker's epistolian original. This is a 20th anniversary production for the Blackeyed Theatre Company, revisiting and re-evaluation the source text for the 21st Century. Directed and adapted by Nick Lane, set in 1897, Gothic Victorian melodrama morphs seamlessly into the modern. Lane’s ambition is impressive taking us from remote Transylvania to rural England. The cast take on multiple roles, three actors play Dracula. Maya-Nika Bewley, plays Mina Harker and Dr Hennessey. and steals the acting honours for the night, while David Chafer, plays Van Helsing and Dracula.
Taking on the roles of Dr Seward and Dracula is Richard Keightley. Pelé Kelland-Beau plays the roles of Jonathan Harker and Quincey Morris. Marie Osman, plays Lucy Westenra and Renfield. Completing the cast in the roles of Arthur Holmwood and Dracula is Harry Rundle. The gender of Dr Hennessey has changed from the original male to female- and works well for it. However the multiple character duplications by the actors can be difficult to follow , with no signal costume changes, and an unusual symmetry in footwear choice for the characters. Victoria Spearing’s set is effective, and imposing , if somewhat over reliant on boxes as improvised props. Oliver Welsh’s lighting is superb with some proper bone shaking thunder and lightning moments. Original music is by Tristan Parkes, music which is both distinctive and memorable ,drawing upon traditional folk tradition, with some choral, ensemble songs particularly effective. Lane creates a memorable atmospheric intensity to proceedings with a threat of jeopardy omnipresent. Having three Draculas is useful in bridging his increasing youth on stage as the fresh blood takes effect, but clouds the continuity of characterisation somewhat. A generous running time means that little from the original material is missed out. The production is unquestionably a success, delivered with style, panache and chutzpah and received a deserved warm ovation at the final curtain. It succeeds in its reappraisal of the ubiquitous Dracula myth, rather than redefining the character itself. Dracula runs until Sat 21st before continuing on nationwide tour to: Bury St Edmunds, Tonbridge, Southend, Bath, Warwick, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Windsor, Southport, Blackpool, Wolverhampton, Finchley, Eastbourne, Bromley, Swindon, Cardiff, Malvern, Basildon, Southampton, Guildford, Tunbridge, Norwich, Loughborough, Lincoln, Winchester, Hertford, Newbury, Poole, Chesterfield, Crewe, Darlington, Lichfield, Exeter, Ilfracombe and Scarborough until Saturday 3 May 2025. Gary Longden 19-09-24 |
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