‘I am Yours Master…’ Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

Second night on the trot, I was back at the theatre. Tonight, I would be returning the Churchill Theatre, Bromley for a very different production from the night before! With Halloween close approaching, it was a perfect viewing to get you in the chilling mood!

Currently touring the UK, Touring Consortium Theatre Company have recreated and reimagined Bram Stokers Dracula beautifully. Written over a century ago, this classic horror focuses on the iconic master of Vampires Dracula which has been adapted and written to suit the stage by Jenny King. TCTC, have pulled out all the stops with amazing illusions, spine chilling effects and breath-taking moments, combined with a atmospheric score and well suited staging. 

There were many times during the viewing of this production where I questioned ‘how did they manage to do that’, with having Dracula there one moment to be gone in a breath of smoke the next. Ben Hart the mind behind the illusions have not missed anything out to draw the audience in.  I felt as act 1 really kept us on the edge of our seat, intensely waiting to know what happens, it was sad to see that Act 2 lost a bit of the memento at times. That being said, there is no denying that this production is not stunning to view, with the slick scene changes from set designer Sean Cavanagh, compelling lighting by Ben Cracknell that compliment each other perfectly! Then their came the acting:

Count Dracula – Glen Fox

Lady Renfield – Cheryl Campbell

Proffessor Van Helsing – Philip Bretherton

Jonathan Harker – Andrew Horton

Doctor Steward – Evan Milton

Mima Murray – Olivia Swann

Lucy – Jessica Webber

Fanny – Jen Holt

Ensemble, supporting roles – Stuart Angell, Charlotte Gosling, Henry Maynard, Benedict Smith, Marina Stomenova, Ellen Verenieks

Cheyl Campbell, as Lady Renfield as a sweet yet freaky side to her. Transfixed by Dracula, you can see where her loyalty and sanity has gone following him. She was enjoyable to watch, clearly displaying the character perfectly with a little comic taste.

In the role of Lucy, Jessica Webber was innocent yet brought out a twisted personality with her transformation. Her acting was mesmirizing to watch, from the way she spoke to her physicality in the role. Evan Milton playing Doctor Steward also displayed greatly his love for the character Lucy.

There are two iconic roles that require certain attention within this production, Count Dracula and the iconic vampire hunter Van Helsing, Glen fox pulls off a chilling master from his voice to his presence on stage, tall, dark and hypnotic when ever you see him appear on the stage. His physical acting also was stunning to view. In contrast you had Philip Bretherton in the role of Van Helsing, dedicated and strong throughout with little comedy moments that allow the audience to warm to him.

I came in not knowing what I was would be seeing but TCTC were true to their word and this immersive production is perfect and unique. If you want something to make you jump, this is play to go to! A re-mastered classic that brings a whole new take to horror on stage.

Dracula is playing at the Churchill Theatre until Saturday 20th October, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue to on its UK tour, for all ticket and dates go here.