Marking the centenary of the landmark stage production*, a new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic thriller, Dracula, plays Lighthouse Poole on Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March.

The run will revive the area’s long standing connection with Dracula author Stoker and Sir Henry Irving, the reportedly intimidating Victorian actor-manager many believe inspired the literary sensation. Stoker acted as Irving’s secretary and frequently accompanied him on visits to Bournemouth where they stayed with Irving’s friend, Sir Merton Russell-Cotes at what is now the Royal Bath Hotel – the town’s first hotel, built by George Tapps-Gervis in 1838 and opened on Queen Victoria’s Coronation Day.

It is thought that Irving’s demands prompted Stoker to base his monstrous vampire on his temperamental charge. Nonetheless, it is noted that Stoker was present when Irving planted trees in the grounds of the Royal Bath and next door at East Cliff Hall, which now houses the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, where Irving is remembered in a room dedicated to him.

Adapted by Nick Lane, this new theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian gothic with the contemporary, showcasing Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble performance style and featuring a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience. 

The cast of six includes Maya-Nika Bewley (Offie nominated in Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit) playing Mina Harker/Dr Hennessey, David Chafer (The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and The Importance of Being Earnest - Theatre Mill) as Abraham van Helsing/Count Dracula, Richard Keightley (Ben and Imo – RSC, Watch on the Rhine – Donmar Warehouse, Twelfth Night - National Theatre) as Dr John Seward/Count Dracula, Pelé Kelland-Beau (Painkiller and Run – Theatre Royal Stratford East) playing Jonathan Harker/Quincey Morris, Marie Osman (Aromatherapy - Talawa Theatre Company, Nowhere To Run - Hampstead Theatre, Babe, The Sheep Pig – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) playing Lucy Westenra/Renfield and Harry Rundle (Harry Potter & The Cursed Child - Palace Theatre, Florian Zeller’s The Son - Duke of York Theatre) playing Arthur Holmwood/Count Dracula. 

Dracula is adapted and directed by Nick Lane (Associate Director and Literary Manager at Hull Truck from 2006 to 2014) with original music composed by Tristan Parkes. The creative team also includes Enric Ortuño (Movement and Intimacy Director), Victoria Spearing (Set Designer), Naomi Gibbs (Costume Designer) and Oliver Welsh (Lighting Designer). 

Writer and Director Nick Lane said: “I'm always excited to work with Blackeyed Theatre, and Dracula is such a cracking work – tense, dense and dripping with menace. I wanted to tell the classic story, but also to try and explore certain elements within it in a slightly different way. When you blend the familiar and the strange, as we did with Jekyll & Hyde and more recently the Sherlock adaptation The Valley of Fear, what you're hoping is that the fans of the story – whether in book, film or TV form – feel you've done Bram Stoker justice, while those that are coming to Dracula with no preconceptions are drawn in by the mystery of who Count Dracula is. And of course ultimately you want to give everyone a great night out.”

Artistic Director of Blackeyed Theatre, Adrian McDougall said: “2024 marked Blackeyed Theatre’s 20th birthday and what better way to celebrate than with Bram Stoker’s classic? Dracula gives audiences a little bit of everything and really encapsulates what Blackeyed Theatre is all about – telling fantastic stories with passion, originality and unashamed theatricality. And I’m proud that it furthers our mission to help ensure regional audiences get choice when it comes to high quality theatre.” 

*Hamilton Dean’s 1924 production of Dracula in Derby marked the first official appearance on stage of Stoker’s iconic title character. 

Blackeyed Theatre presents DRACULA

THURSDAY 13, FRIDAY 14, SATURDAY 15 MARCH

7pm (Thurs), 7.45pm (Fri, Sat), 2pm (Sat mat) (VENUE) 

Tickets and information 01202 280000 

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk