There is certainly plenty of room to develop in this comical and yet thoughtful show.
Using the tale of Count Dracula to tell a different story of transformation is really quite innovative and intriguing -but perhaps the way in which it leans heavily into the comedic while entertaining can slightly distract from the meaningful message behind it.
While the title suggests a simple female perspective of Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula, there is actually more to it as it looks at ageing and more specifically the menopause that has flashes of poignancy and insight intermixed with comedy and a vaudeville quality that impresses but could go a lot more further in exploring the key topic.
The concept behind the show is excellent – I loved the Vaudeville concept along with the physical comedy aspects (too good to spoil here) and there are some lovely moments in which Joey aka Countess Dracula chats to her mum (played with fabulous flamboyancy by Jack Kelly) as she tries to deal with changing due to the menopause.
However, it does have to be said that there are certain moments that tend to go on for too long with little purpose. Such as when Joey and Jack are setting the table for a dinner that they don’t eat or when joey tries to sit in a box that turns in to a car that Jack Jack zooms across the space which didn’t completely make sense. It is a little frustrating as there is plenty of great material here to ensure that this subject is covered (with the concept of Count Dracula working surprisingly well to highlight it). At 50 minutes long there is plenty of room for the subject to be covered in more depth.
By using comedy (the scene in which Joey draws her doctor into her cervix during her examination is something that can’t be unseen), Countess Dracula shows the power fo humour in order to open up conversations about subjects that are still not widely talked about.
The whole show is lively and inventive, with ideas of misogyny in terms of attitudes towards women going through menopause that offer insight. Meanwhile, the physical comedy elements of the show are well choreographed and make great use of the space. There are lines that really kick a punch including ‘when the last blood stopped, I stopped’ showcasing how changes impacting the body can affect deeply emotionally.
Visually, the production is creative in the way it manages to convey a victorian theme as a set and then using the curtain for example for a variety of effects including a bed cover and a table cloth for a romantic dinner. It is a really versatile production.
The performances are excellently judged, with Joanna Holden providing plenty of conflict emotionally as she tries to come to terms with the changes that are happening to her. It is heartbreaking and liberating in many ways through her performance. Meanwhile, Jack Kelly is vibrant in a variety of roles that enhance Joey’s experienceswithout ever overshadowing.
Overall, there is plenty to enjoy about Countess Dracula, but there is equally a lot that can be expanded on to make it an even more enriching experience than an hour can cover.
By Emma Clarendon
Countess Dracula runs at the Camden’s People Theatre until the 1st November.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️