Dracula

This incarnation of Dracula is subtitled “A comedic thriller starring Shirley Holmes and Jenny Watson”. A sequel to one of Garrick's previous productions, Hound of the Baskervilles, this production features some of the original cast from that production. Featuring many members of Garrick's TAG Company (Teens at Garrick), this production also includes many familiar adult faces. A large cast allows multiple performers to shine, in a production that is a lot of fun.

An unwell Arabella Van Helsing sends her daughter Sabrina, Johnathon Harker and his fiancé, Mina, to seek the help of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, to help them save London from the machinations of Dracula and a swathe of Draculettes. With the well-known detectives away somewhere in the Belgian Congo, it up to their nieces Jennie Watson and Shirley Holmes, and Holmes’ housekeeper Mrs Dobrinski to join their vampire hunting posse.

The whole theatre has been given a spooky makeover, and Eileen van Heerwaarden has designed a gothic style set that serves multiple locales and creates a sinister atmosphere. Lighting Designers Bailey Fellowes and Matthew Roberts have created some great looks, while Wardrobe Master Sally Forbes establishes the era nicely, then twists it with flair.

Sounding great, Dracula features highly effective original composition by Kieran Ridgeway, played live by Musical Director Leanne van Heerwaarden on keyboard, Kiara Burke on cello and Jeremy Moore on electric guitar.

Olivia Fellowes leads the cast, returning to the role of Jennie Watson, and anchoring the show nicely, paired well with a forthright Samantha Compton as Shirley Holmes. Fellow vampire hunters include Natalia Smith, seamlessly filling in at short notice for an ill Dakota Horrigan as Sabrina Val Helsing, Kailem Mollard, an earnest Jonathon Harker and Asher Coshan making an impressive community theatre debut as a sweet but strong Wilhemina Murray. Fiona Forster steals scenes and is clearly in her element as bossy but loving housekeeper ‘Mrs D’. The unlikely sextet is watched over, with appropriate theatrical effects, by an absent but caring Arabella Van Helsing, played with depth by Codey Finley.

The role of Dracula is shared by three very different performers, Kody Fellows, Phoebe Mills and James Nailen, all giving their own interpretation of the Prince(ss) of Darkness, nicely supported by a troupe of “Brides of Dracula”, each representing a deadly sin.

There are also some delightfully oddball characters, including Rob McConnell’s Dr Seward, deliberately sounding more like he has stepped out of Midland in 2022 than late 19th century London, Sophie David’s larger-than-life Renfield and Amy Lock as willing victim Lucy. A hardworking ensemble play multiple characters and provide solid support throughout.

A highly immersive production that draws the audience into its hijinks, lots of great characters allow maximum amounts of participation for this all-ages cast. Great to see a young cast having a ball and entertaining with warmth and polish.

Kimberley Shaw