Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors – London review

Estate summary

Andrzej Lukowski finds Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors too tame to make much of its promised irreverence. Reviewing the Menier Chocolate Factory production, he recognises James Daly’s charisma as the Count and the considerable energy of the performers, but questions the value of turning Stoker’s plot into an old-fashioned farce. The review considers whether its jokes and changes of character produce a fresh interpretation or simply soften the novel into undemanding entertainment. Lukowski contrasts its modest provocations with the more disruptive achievement of The Rocky Horror Show, suggesting that a vampire comedy needs a stronger reason to revisit familiar material. This is a critical response to the London staging, rather than a description of the play’s earlier New York reception; the two productions and reviews should remain distinct.

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