Thirsty for some blood? Well, “Dracula: Blood is Life” is currently running at Resorts World Theatres. Produced by UK theatre company Ewing Entertainment, the two-hour show is an adaptation of the century-old tale of Dracula. It had premiered in Bangkok in February 2016 with a successful three-week run before hitting the theatres at Singapore.
The adaptation is based upon the script by U.S. playwright Steven Dietz, and follows the storyline of Bram Stoker’s classic vampire novel closely. “Dracula: Blood Is Life” is set in the 1800s London and Transylvania, homeland of Count Dracula. A young lawyer, Jonathan Harker, is assigned to a gloomy village in the midsts of eastern Europe, in the hopes of closing a land deal. He comes into contact with the vampire Count Dracula, who invites him into his castle. Count Dracula treats Jonathan to a sumptuous feast before capturing him subsequently. Dracula travels to London, inspired by a photographer of Jonathan’s betrothed, Mina Murray.
London is also where the Dracula travels to get his supply of blood to restore energy, youth and vitality. Dracula begins a reign of seduction and terror. Lucy Westenra, who is Mina’s closest friend, transforms into a vampire after Dracula drains the life out of her. The characters in the play devise to try to defeat Dracula. Van Helsing’s faith trampled evil which eventually eliminated the Dracula. Professor Helsing is the former lecturer of Dr Seward. He is called upon by Dr Seward to treat Lucy’s mysterious illness.
In its Singapore run, the show sees Narelle Kheng playing as Lucy, the best friend of leading female character, Mina. Both Lucy and Mina fall prey to Dracula where Lucy subsequently transforms into a vampire herself.
British actor Keith-Lee Castle plays the role of Dracula, who has also previously played the same character in a different adaptation. He is notably known for playing Count Dracula in a production under CBBC, the children’s TV channel of BBC, from 2006 to 2014. In “Dracula: Blood is Life”, Keith-Lee Castle shows himself to be a master at portraying Dracula, delivering a memorable performance.
The choreography of the show is excellent. I was impressed with the set designs which were immaculate. The designs were thorough and provided a visual feast. The play has a brooding underscore, matching its gothic setting perfectly. The storyline was engaging and kept my at the edge of my seat throughout the performance.
The show is divided into two acts with an intermission of 20 minutes. Act 1 switches between three scenes, consisting of an asylum setting, Count Dracula’s castle and Lucy’s bedroom. Act 2 portrays the characters’ collective fight against Dracula, reaching its climax and finale.
If you are afraid that you’ll be scared out of your wits, fret not. Overall, the show delivers great acting without being too horrifying.
What: Dracula: Blood is Life
When: The show runs at 7.30pm on 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 November 2016
Where: Resorts World Theatres, Sentosa Singapore
Tickets: Prices for standard tickets cost S$168, S$138, S$108 and S$48, while restricted view tickets cost S$78 and S$48. Tickets can purchased online via Sistic.
