“Come freely. Go freely. And leave some of the happiness you bring”
Fringe theatregoers this summer are being encouraged to take up Count Dracula’s sinister invitation and experience a production of Liz Lochhead’s take on the classic horror tale by the Edinburgh Makars.
This theatrical version of Dracula had its premiere at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh 40 years ago, but it’s unique approach to Bram Stoker’s timeless story of history’s most infamous vampire is still just as fresh and relevant today.
Bee Parkinson-Cameron, a Fife-based writer, performer and director, is making their Edinburgh Makars directorial debut and the talented cast consists of actors from across the city and the central belt.
Of their decision to direct Dracula at the Fringe, Bee said: “After the recent success of Robert Egger’s Nosferatu, it became clear to me that this was the opportunity and the moment to bring to life in one of the largest arts festivals in the world, the wonderful, engaging and dark adaptation of Dracula by Liz Lochead.
“Dracula was a deeply disturbing, unsettling and fantastical, thrillingly erotic tale when it was released, a testament to the skill of Bram Stoker to tap into the tensions and fears of the time period. My intention in this production is to bring forth this aspect, to return this quality of disturbance back to Dracula that can sometimes be neglected for the sake of parody (amusing though they may be).
“Vampires and the appreciation of vampire lore and vampires featuring in literature, film and television has coloured many of the years of my life. I have a deep and enduring passion for the articulation and exploration of the darker elements of human existence and the moments where we brush against the preternatural.”
The cast includes many actors whose names will be familiar to regular patrons of Edinburgh theatre, but the titular role is being brought to life by newcomer Sonido Kofi Sewornu, an 18-year-old student from Perth who is studying Fashion Design at Glasgow School of Art.
On being cast as one of the most famous names in literature, Kofi said: “I am terrified to play this role, but I couldn’t be more excited. I hope some of that terror translates onto the stage!”
Dracula is something of a departure from the kind of productions that the Edinburgh Makars have usually put on at the Fringe, but President John Scott Moncrieff and the rest of the club’s committee were convinced by Bee Parkinson-Cameron’s obvious enthusiasm for the project.
Edinburgh has long had an association with the gothic, and retelling Liz Lochhead’s version in the city 40 years after its debut was too exciting an opportunity to resist.
Whether you’re a die-hard vampire aficionado, a lover of all things gothic or just have an appreciation for classic literature, this production guarantees an exciting and chilling evening at the Fringe.
Director Bee added: “I hope that you will enjoy the invitation we extend to you to join us in this exploration of the insidious nature of gothic horror and of Dracula himself, a titan of vampire lore whose shadows are still creeping over and caressing our souls and our fears.”
The Edinburgh Makars’ production of Dracula by Liz Lochhead will be performed at the Royal Scots Club on Abercromby Place (Venue 241) from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd August at 7:30pm each evening. Tickets are £15 or £12 for students and can be purchased in advance from the Edinburgh Makars or Fringe websites.
CAST:
Sonido Kofi Sewornu as Dracula
Craig Gell as Jonathan Harker
Phillipa Roy as Mina Westerman
Bunny Steven as Lucy Westerman and vampire bride
Chris Eyett as Van Helsing
Emma Swift as Florrie and vampire bride
James Gray as Renfield
James Cameron as Arthur Seward
Liza Greenhalgh as Mrs Manners/Doctor Goodman/vampire bride
Carol Davidson as Nurse Grice
Georgia Smith as Nurse Nisbett
Ben Carey as Drinkwater
The Makars was founded in 1932 by Christine Orr, the well-known Scottish actress, broadcaster and playwright, with the intention of performing her own plays.
During the winter of 1933/34 the name “The Makars” was adopted, an old Scots word for the makers of poetry and drama.
The present club was formed in May 1996 by the amalgamation of two long standing Edinburgh drama clubs – The Makars and Davidson’s Mains Dramatic Club (DMDC). In 2002 the new club formally adopted the name The Edinburgh Makars.
Previous Fringe productions have included Amy’s View by David Hare, A Comedy of Tenors by Ken Ludwig, Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon and the five-star production of Perfect Wedding by Robin Hawdon.