Dracula: A Comedy of Terror

A very recent play, that closed Off-Broadway in January, Koorliny’s incarnation is slick and well-produced. A cast of five play multiple characters, often with lightning changes and occasionally needing to have conversations with themselves - all part of the gag and cleverly and comedically executed.

Peter ‘Pear’ Carr and Christopher Alvaro give us a gothic set that serves for several slightly creepy locales - with Chloe Palliser’s thoughtful lighting design helping to play into a number of horror themes. Cherie Alvaro, making her debut as costume designer, gives us some fabulous (mostly) Victorian Gothic costumes that serve the production well, with a few that are simply stunning.

Matthew Walford shines in the title role, with a nicely nuanced characterisation that goes beyond the stereotypes (although he plays with all the tropes) and proving he is more than a handsome face. Lone actress Tatum Stafford is a delight as love interest Lucy Westfeldt (and in a few quirky cameos) in a highly animated performance.

Matthew Jones steps into skirts (and a few gorgeous wigs by Yvette Drager-Wetherilt) in drag roles Mina Westfeldt and Dr Van Helsing. A top-notch scene stealer, both characters quickly become audience favourites - and with good reason. Jamie Jewell plays Lucy and Mina’s upright father Dr Wallace Westfeldt as well as his mental patient and servant Renfield, swinging brilliantly between the two extremely different roles. Nathan Breedt completes the cast well as reticent real estate agent, and Lucy’s fiancée Johnathan Harker (and other roles) with a fun character arc.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terror is probably not going to change your life, but it will give you a rollicking good time. It has a short season though, so run and get a ticket - you won’t regret it.

Kimberley Shaw