Review: Dracula: Sex, Sucking & Stardom, Paradise In The Vault, Merchant Street

By LIAM RUDDEN
Published on 07/08/2012 15:13

TAKE three men, a use of hats of which Tommy Cooper would have been proud, and a keyboard. Put them all together and, hey presto, you have Dracula: Sex, Sucking and Stardom, arguably one of the funniest things you’ll see on this year’s Fringe.

****

The title should warn you not to expect a particularly faithful retelling of the Count’s story, but don’t let that put you off, the bones of the tale remain.

Join Jonathan Harker as he sets off to Transylvania, where he discovers the count’s evil plans and love of all things showbiz.

When things turn nasty, Harker is forced to use his wit, brawn and intelligence to escape the castle – and seduce a sexy 315-year-old vampire.

Meanwhile, Dracula ventures to England, pursuing his beloved Lucy, his dream of starring in a West End musical and his desires for world domination. Only one man can thwart him: a strangely accented vampire slayer who bears a grudge – Professor Abraham Van Helsing.

Last Chance Saloon describe their retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula as “a riotous theatrical reworking with songs”.

It’s the sort of claim you can read on the publicity for many festival shows. In this case however, it’s an 
understatement.

As Sam Dunham, Jack Faires and Simon Naylor embark on their journey from Whitby to Transylvania and 
back . . . and back again . . . they leave not one single set-piece from the golden days of variety and slapstick unexplored.

With a smattering of props to carry them through the horrific and hilarious tale, the three embark on a 50-minute romp that is sure to lighten the heart of even the most Fringed-out of souls.

Faires’ Dracula is a loveable creation with a penchant for a good pop parody. From Manilow to Glee, even a-ha get a look in at one point, not to mention an ingenious scene change courtesy of Lady Gaga and the audience.

With effortless timing, sharp physical theatre skills and genuine charm, this trio create wonderfully grotesque (and rude) characters guaranteed to leave you laughing out loud.

Until August 27