Reviewed by Jordan D'Arcy
Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors is a fairly new script, with the off-Broadway production only closing recently. It is a modern comedic take on the classic story by Bram Stoker.
Director Christopher Alvaro has done well to put together such a well-oiled machine, especially given the intricacies and moving parts of the script (with the cast of five playing multiple roles each, with the exception of Dracula), and the short time frame in which to mount this production.
It’s hard to imagine anyone but Matthew Walford in the titular role of Dracula. His portrayal was charming and vaguely aloof, whilst staying true to a lot of the classic vampiric tropes. Jamie Jewell was excellent as both Dr Westfeldt and Renfield - if I hadn’t seen him switch characters, I would have thought they were played by completely different actors. Matthew Luke Jones was perhaps the best dame I have seen in community theatre as both the unlovable Mina Westfeldt and formidable Dr Van Helsing. Tatum Stafford as Lucy Westfeldt and Nathan Breedt as Johnathon Harker brought a comparative realism to the stage, both with good stage presence.
Chloe Palliser’s lighting design was fun. There were a couple of “Captain’s Log” style monologues that were accentuated by spotlights that I felt particularly stood out. Peter “Pear” Carr and Christopher Alvaro’s set design was simple but effective. In particular, the large French-door style windows were both pretty to look at and utilised well by the cast.
Unfortunately, this season is already over at the time of writing this review, having had a relatively short run, but those who did see it were raving about it as I left the theatre. So if you have a chance to see this again definitely get onto getting yourself a ticket.
Reviewer Note: Jordan has worked with the director and lighting designer of this show, as well as with Matthew Walford. Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.
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