Dracula
Sometimes you go to the theatre and you have a good night, sometimes you don’t. Some productions last in the memory for a moment, others make a bigger impression. The National Youth Theatre’s production of Dracula is one of those that makes a big impression and leaves you knowing you’ve had a great theatrical night.
At the heart of this play is great writing by Tatty Hennessy. It’s so creative and nothing is obvious. In so many ways it gives new blood to an old story (pun intended). There are so many plot twists and none of them could be predicted. The script weaves dramatic tension, with tension-relieving comedy.
The staging is relatively simple, but creatively used and is enhanced by an unobtrusive but ever-present sound scape which adds to the drama.
Act One gives us a recognisable historic telling of the Dracula story. It’s cleverly done, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with probably a little too much fake blood being spilled than is necessary! Set in Whitby there’s not a Yorkshire accent to be heard – but it doesn’t seem to matter. Act Two gives us… well, I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but the gear change is as unexpected as it is refreshing. It feels like it shouldn’t work, but it really does and takes this production from a 4 to a 5-star production.
The direction of the NYT rep company by Atri Banerjee gives every member of the unapologetically diverse cast their moment in the limelight, and none of them fails to hit their marks. The REP company is an industry-based alternative to formal training and the entire company seems to be flourishing in this alternative environment. Within a strong company there any too many strong performers to name, but I would say Maya Coates’ hilarious opening of Act Two warrants a repeat visit. Her comic timing is something I look forward to seeing more of in the future.
In summary, don’t miss this, it’s bloody good!
This show was reviewed at the National Youth Theatre, London on the 25th February 2026 where it runs until the 13th March 2026. Tickets available here: Dracula - National Youth Theatre
Review written by Paul Wood
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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
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