Review: Dracula: Sex, Sucking and Stardom – Hen & Chickens Theatre

Dracula: Sex, Sucking and Stardom

Hen and Chickens Theatre, 109 St Pauls Road, N1 2NA

“Follow the hapless Jonathan Harker to Transylvania where he almost succumbs to the Count’s evil ways and love of all things showbiz. When Dracula ventures to England to create an army of un-dead and bedazzle the world with his show stopping routines only one man can stop him...”

Opening with a musical parody of Lady Gaga, this is an excellent example of slapstick comedy at its best and continues to provide plenty of laughs throughout the entire show.

The set is remarkably simple, with just one table and two wooden boxes, which are effectively utilised in a variety of ways. The lighting design (Bradley Leech and Tamsin Stanley) is very atmospheric and takes the audience on the journey with the characters.

The role of Jonathan Harker is played excellently by Sam Dunham who is a master of comic timing and movement.

In the title role, Jack Faires is the campest Dracula I have ever seen. His face is incredibly expressive and the looks he gives the audience provide plenty of laughs.

Simon Naylor’s genius portrayal of Van Helsing is fantastically over the top, complete with a dodgy Dutch accent.

Excellent choreography (Simone Coxall) throughout allows the cast to display their sometimes remarkable agility. Each actor has the chance to shine and show his versatility and skill, playing several very different minor roles each alongside their main ones.

There isn’t a huge amount more I can say without spoiling the plot or giving away some of the funniest surprises of the evening, but I had a great time and I am confident you will too.

Directed by Mitch Mitchelson, Dracula: Sex, Sucking and Stardom plays at the Hen and Chickens Theatre until 03 December. Tickets £11.50 from www.unrestrictedview.co.uk