Dracula
16 September 2025
Lyric Hammersmith
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Lyric Hammersmith production of Dracula running until the 11th October is a must-see play based on the original Bram Stoker novel that flips the script in surprising ways. Presented as a warning by sole survivor Mina Harker, touring the country to caution the public on the evils to come.
With the auditorium bathed in red lighting, a shredded black curtain announcing the title in blood red lettering, and an unsettling soundscape, the audience is primed for a frightening performance before it even begins. Set off with a bang, the tension is high from the start. Umi Myers is a stunning Mina, enrapturing the audience from the first word. With a dynamic mix of storytelling and theatrical performance, the production utilises stage magic to conjure up a series of scary tricks that deepen its thrilling appeal.
The costuming is unique and creative, using angles and points to sharpen silhouettes, adding visual appeal to the fascinating narrative. Focussing on the female voices often overlooked in the original, this adaptation of Dracula gives Mina her agency back, making her a strong and determined woman who uses her trauma to warn others of the evils lurking in the dark.
With a powerful cast, it’s a tense production that really leans into the horror angle without becoming gaudy. There are a handful of jump scares, though the bulk of the terrifying narrative comes from its content rather than scare effects. The cohesive and deliciously creepy show breathes new life into an immortal tale, adding modern twists and a good dose of humour to the story.
From the gorgeous lighting that heightens the disquieting feeling of mounting dread, over the immersive soundscape and earthy scents underlining the action, to the gothic-inspired scenery, it’s a feast for the senses for every fan of horror theatre.
An innovative adaptation of a classic novel, with brilliant new writing and an ingenious conclusion, it’s a feminist masterpiece that challenges long-held stereotypes in the vampire genre. A stunning show that rings in a fantastic beginning to the spooky season!
