The Gothics: Dracula Review

Originally posted on Avenoir Magazine, in July 2016.

The name Dracula is infamous, even those who have never read the book or seen a film containing the iconic character know who he is. The vampire king has been a legendary literary figure for 119 years. And as part of a three show series called The Gothics, Dracula was brought to life by Murdoch Theatre Company.

The Gothics is a three-show production consisting of Dracula, The Mummy Rises and Frankenstein with a different theatre company producing each show.

Murdoch Theatre Company’s particular take on Dracula frames the story around Lucy Seward, the daughter of the physician in charge of a sanatorium near London, who is mysteriously anaemic.

“Lucy’s betrothed, Jonathan Harker, is wracked with worry and grows impatient with the lack of progress from London’s best specialists. As help comes from near and far, it soon becomes obvious that there’s nothing normal about Lucy’s condition, and that the occupants of Seward’s sanatorium face a grave and ancient threat.”

The acting across the board was phenomenal, as each actor perfectly embodied their character. Of note were the outstanding performances by Joel Sammels, who played the titular character of Dracula with the smooth grace one would expect from the vampire king, and Jason Dohle as Van Helsing. I really enjoyed his scenes with Dracula; rife with both trying to foil the others plan.

But the most notable performance would have to go to Rhys Hyatt, as R. M. Reinfeild, the resident madman. His scenes were my favourite as he was such a dynamic character; toeing the line between life and death, good and evil, every time you see him, you can’t be sure whose side he is on. I applaud Hyatt for the perfect portrayal of the thin line between sanity and insanity, he didn’t overdo it and it was marvelous to watch.

The set was beautiful, and quite dynamic from the Victorian sitting room to the looming stone steps that lead to the sanatorium, the full stage is utilised. With things, constantly happening all over the stage, it’s a wonder to behold. It felt very Dracula; they have done an incredible job to create the Victorian gothic atmosphere.

I especially loved the scene right at the very end where they alluded to the next show in this three show series: The Mummy Rises.

Personally, I think Murdoch Theatre Company should be applauded because this rendition of Dracula was breathtaking.