A Guest Review by Tom Hitchcock
This was my first time watching a “Blackeyed Theatre” production and I have to say I was very impressed and will definitely go and watch more of their productions.
The stage was laid out with three sets of stepped platforms, and a wooden frame work on top, this cleverly became the many various places across the story, from the homestead, to lunatic asylum and castle of Dracula, it’s uses were plentiful and creative. The framework design created various doorways, passages and windows, allowing the cast to easily maneuver around and through the set whilst keeping the audience understanding exactly where they were and I loved the casting of shadows it created as the lights struck the frame work.
The lights were used to great effect and there were two stand out moments for me with the lighting technique. One where Dracula flung open the doors and declared that Jonathon Harker could leave (as the wolves and creatures bellowed all around). The lights struck David Chafer’s outstretched arms and stretched out finger tips and created on the walls of the theatre a haunting shadow of Dracula (reminding me of the 1922 film Nosferatu, and the stair case shadow). The next was when a younger Dracula (Played by Richard Keightly) fluttered through the doorway towards the brightening light, a flicker or two of his cape and then stepped forward and revealed he had changed to the youngest incarnation (Harry Rundle) of Dracula – a seamless and perfectly timed transition.
The soundscape helped to create the eerie atmosphere needed with a play like this and the use of the cast briefly singing out of sync created a short echo effect which was very effective.
The cast of six (Maya-Nika Bewley, Pippa Caddick, David Chafer, Richard Keightley, Nicholas Prasad and Harry Rundle) portrayed all the characters throughout with their strong performances of multi role. Each different character was clearly defined with strong accents and minimalistic costume change which removed any confusion as to who was who. They expertly lead us through the depths of this play with a pace which gripped your attention whilst giving all the details needed. The movement of the actors on stage was terrifying at times and you could see the attention to detail that the “movement and intimacy director” had created with the cast, from pointed fingers and facial expressions to creepy body movements from the two “Brides of Dracula”. The clever use of fake blood after Dracula fed was amazing and again subtly added with a slight of hand movement.
I have always wanted to watch Dracula on stage, it is one of my favourite stories and I am so glad I saw this production. It sinks its fangs into you! It’s well worth the ticket price and the full house all agreed.
To quote my wife “Dracula isn’t a show that I would have chosen to watch – But I am so glad I did”
Dracula runs at the New Wolsey Theatre until 17th October – to find out more and to book tickets visit the New Wolsey Theatre Website or call the Box Office on 01473 295900
