Gothic Dracula dark and sexy

8:55pm Monday 4th December 2000

IMAGINE a empty gothic castle in the mountains of Transylvania. It is dark and cold and something or someone is lurking in the shadows.

In his chilling novel, Bram Stoker tells the tale of the blood-sucking vampire Dracula, a story which is sure to send fear through the hearts of audiences at the Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre, Crayford.

Director Andy Briggs has cast aside all visions of Christopher Lee and Bela Lugosi and produced a play in the vein of the original book.

He said: This version is written by poet Liz Lochhead. Its quite a radical adaptation as it is a true gothic interpretation.

It is quite dark and sexy.

The play follows the events surrounding a trip to Transylvania by Jonathan Harker (played by Toby Masson) and sisters Lucy and Mina Westerman (Kelly Risbey and Fiona McGahren).

Briggs said: At the beginning of the play Dracula is 600 years old but when he comes to England and finds his first victim he rejuvenates and becomes a young gentleman.

Lucy becomes a vampire in the end but it is Mina who Dracula is really after.

And although Dracula (Simon Meading) will be pale with fangs, he is only in four out of 30 scenes.

Think of him as a constant menacing but unseen presence, like Jaws or the Blair witch.

Briggs said: I am trying to make it an adult fairy tale with passion and lots of gothic eroticism.

I think it will only be suitable for children aged 13 and above.

To add to the savage story there is plenty of blood-red and purple lighting, lots of smoke and a stylised set.

Dracula is at the Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre, Beech Walk, Crayford, from Friday to Saturday, December 16. Performances are at 7.45pm Mondays to Saturday and 7.30pm Sundays. Tickets are priced between £5 and £7.50 from the box office 01322 526390.