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Review: Play In A Week's Dracula brings gothic horror to Swindon Arts Centre
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The Play In A Week company has brought a haunting new production of the classic gothic tale Dracula to the Swindon Arts Centre stage.
The Swindon Arts Centre has transformed into a gothic stage this week as the Play In A Week company delivers its latest production, an atmospheric and chilling adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. The show, which opened to audiences on October 30, successfully brings a classic horror narrative to life with a focus on strong performances and effective stagecraft.
Directed by Oli Webb, the production manages to navigate the complexities of the well-known story by focusing on the investigations of Van Helsing, Mina, and Jonathan as they attempt to thwart the Count. Despite the company being known for its tight, week-long rehearsal schedules, the show maintains a high level of polish, demonstrating the depth of talent within the local troupe.
Harri Thomas Darley leads the cast as Count Dracula, delivering a performance defined by a steady, quiet confidence that anchors the production. However, the performance is elevated by the supporting roles, with Ryan Aust standing out for his portrayal of the tormented Renfield. His depiction of a man trapped within a mental asylum offers a complex and unsettling highlight of the evening. Additionally, Emily Caris Graham commands the stage as Lucy Westenra, drawing the audience in throughout her pivotal scenes.
The production makes clever use of the Swindon Arts Centre space, employing thoughtful lighting and shadow play to create an eerie and immersive environment that suits the source material. While the conclusion of the piece feels slightly less impactful than the tension built earlier in the performance, the production remains a compelling watch for those interested in local theatre.
The final opportunity to catch this production is on Halloween night, October 31. Tickets for the concluding show start from £18 and are currently available through the Trafalgar Tickets website.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Reviews · View original