In the world of theatre, some stories refuse to fade into the shadows; Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula is one such tale. Endlessly reimagined, it continues to retain its compelling influence. Blackeyed Theatre Company’s adaptation is proof of this enduring strength, blending Victorian gothic horror with contemporary themes that both unsettle and enthral. The result is a gripping production that holds its audience spellbound from start to finish. As part of its national tour, the performance at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre showcases an ensemble of six talented actors and a strikingly innovative design, making this adaptation both a faithful homage to Stoker’s novel and a bold, contemporary reinterpretation.
Set in 1897, during a period of scientific breakthroughs and societal shifts, the production moves between an eerily familiar London and the desolate mountains of Transylvania. At the heart of the narrative is Professor Van Helsing, who leads the group through a desperate struggle for survival against Count Dracula’s encroaching supernatural threat. Nick Lane’s adaptation skilfully fuses a gothic atmosphere with modern relevance, exploring themes that resonate with audiences today, including gender roles, mental health and the nature of fear itself.
Nick Lane’s adaptation skilfully fuses a gothic atmosphere with modern relevance.
This thematic depth is reflected in the production’s craftsmanship. One of the production’s standout achievements is its seamless blend of traditional storytelling and innovative stagecraft. Each actor plays multiple roles, supported by a simple yet beautiful costume design that instantly distinguishes each character through small but meaningful changes, such as jackets and shifts in posture. Such subtleties ensure the narrative remains the focus, without losing momentum to unnecessary set-ups or costume transitions.
Among the talented cast, one performer particularly stood out: Marie Osman, who portrays Lucy and Renfield. Her emotional range and magnetic presence bring both characters vividly to life. Whether she is embodying Lucy’s vulnerability or Renfield’s manic unpredictability, her performance is nothing short of mesmerising – a defining highlight within an already outstanding ensemble.
The set, minimal yet versatile, allows for imaginative interpretation. Locations shift effortlessly from the bleak grandeur of Dracula’s castle to the claustrophobic confines of an English asylum, and these disorienting transitions mirror the characters’ descent into fear and uncertainty.
Music, composed by Tristan Parks, also plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere. The chilling melodies and haunting vocals elevate tension, while the occasional singing adds a ghostly, unsettling texture to the performance. Repeated phrases, such as “they [vampires] cast no shadow or reflection”, recur throughout the show, forming a haunting refrain that heightens the overall sense of dread. This powerful fusion of sound and dialogue elevates the production, pushing it beyond the confines of a conventional horror story.
Despite its dark subject matter, the play weaves in moments of humour without undercutting its horror-thriller tone. Brief but well-placed, these comedic beats provide respite and add emotional texture to the show.
The play weaves in moments of humour without undercutting its horror-thriller tone.
The scriptrelies heavily on narrative devices like letters and diary entries – all true to the novel’s epistolary form. In less capable hands, this could be cumbersome. However, these actors deliver their lines with impressive precision. Their delivery is charged with meaning and consistently maintains the stakes of the plot. Every word feels necessary, and the density of dialogue is managed with remarkable discipline.
The pacing intensifies steadily, culminating in an electrifying final act that leaves the audience breathless. It is a sharp, impactful ending that reinforces the production’s urgency and emotional weight, a fitting conclusion to a thrilling evening. It’s a testament to the fact that Dracula is more than just a vampire tale – it’s a story of resistance, survival and the unknown fears that reside within.
The opening night audience reflected the show’s success – gasps echoed during key scenes, laughter rippled through moments of levity and a reverent silence settled over the theatre during tense moments. By the end of the performance, the theatre hummed with the emotional charge of a production deeply felt by all.
Overall, Blackeyed Theatre’s Dracula is a masterful retelling of a classic tale. With a phenomenal cast, stunning design and expertly crafted direction, this adaptation is a must-see. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Stoker’s classic novel or completely new to the story, the production offers something for everyone: haunting visuals, timely themes and a narrative that continues to resonate more than a century after it was first written. It is a play that lingers beyond the final curtain, not solely as a tale of blood and fear, but as a striking reflection of the personal and societal shadows we continue to face. Most of all, it is a stark reminder that the monsters we fear are sometimes the most human of all.
The next time you are asked whether there are such beings as vampires, you’ll have a definitive answer: absolutely, and they’ve never been more alive on stage. Watch this performance and you won’t just believe in vampires – you’ll feel them breathing down your neck.
