As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of seeing Emanuel School deliver an ambitious and atmospheric production of Dracula on Thursday 4th December 2025, bringing Bram Stoker’s iconic gothic story vividly to life. With a strong sense of style, assured performances and a clear grasp of complex storytelling, this play proved to be both engaging and impressively polished, demonstrating the depth of talent within the school’s drama department.

Dracula has a long and fascinating theatrical history. First published as a novel by Bram Stoker in 1897, the story quickly captured the public imagination with its blend of horror, romance and Victorian anxieties. It was adapted for the stage in the early 20th century, most notably in Hamilton Deane’s 1924 stage version, later revised by John L. Balderston, which cemented many of the tropes we now associate with the Count. Film adaptations soon followed, with Bela Lugosi’s 1931 portrayal becoming iconic, and countless reimaginings since, each exploring new angles of fear, desire and power. This enduring legacy makes Dracula both a challenging and rewarding choice for a school production, requiring clarity of storytelling and a confident ensemble. Here, the original adaptation by Seb Wolff and Miss Twomey created a riveting and engaging evening for the audience.

From the moment the audience entered the space, the industrial-looking set, covered in rust, grime and dirt, immediately established a dark and unsettling atmosphere. The set design allowed for smooth transitions between the play’s many locations and scenes without disrupting the pace. Hanging light bulbs and large fans further enhanced the atmosphere, creating stark, shadowy visuals that complemented the gothic aesthetic. The dramatic use of rain in key moments added an extra layer of intensity, heightening tension and reinforcing the sense of looming danger.

The production benefited from clear direction by Miss Twomeny, with multiple plot threads carefully defined so that the complex narrative remained easy to follow. Accents were strong and used consistently throughout, helping to ground the piece in its varied settings and giving the characters distinct identities. This attention to detail contributed significantly to the overall professionalism of the performance, where there were many standout performances across the cast. 

In the lead role of Jonathan Harker, Kit gave a confident and convincing performance, particularly in moments of fear when confronted by Dracula, conveying genuine tension and vulnerability. From his first entrance as the title character, Harry made his presence felt as Dracula. His menacing smile and creepy vocal delivery sent a chill down the audience’s spines, capturing the sinister charm of the Count with impressive control. This was an actor fully committed to the role, creating a real sense of menace. 

Maisie, as Lucy, was particularly expressive with her physicality, delivering a highly engaging performance that drew the audience’s attention whenever she was on stage. Her sleepwalking scene was a highlight, combining controlled movement with emotional vulnerability. As Van Helsing, Anna delivered her opening monologue with confidence and authority, especially when discussing the character’s mother, where her storytelling was both compelling and sincere.

In contrast, Noah’s portrayal of Quincey provided much-needed comic relief. His broad Texan accent was used to great effect, particularly during the marriage proposal scene, which was warmly received by the audience. The asylum scenes were another strength of the production, with Gracie’s Renfield emerging as an impressive performance. She maintained excellent engagement with the audience throughout, bringing energy and unpredictability to the role.

The Corpse Brides, played by Josie, Summer and Connie, used dynamic, fluid movement that was highly effective in establishing their eerie, otherworldly presence. A dynamic and well-staged fight scene further demonstrated the production’s attention to physical storytelling and stagecraft.

The strength of this production lay not only in its principal performances but in the commitment and cohesion of the ensemble throughout. From the opening moments to the final scene, the company worked with impressive focus, creating a vivid sense of atmosphere and tension that underpinned the storytelling. Whether heightening moments of horror, advancing the narrative through carefully staged movement, or reacting with precision and intent, the ensemble demonstrated a clear understanding of their role in shaping the world of the play. Their consistency, energy, and attention to detail elevated the production as a whole and ensured that Dracula felt fully inhabited from start to finish.

Emanuel School’s Dracula sank its teeth into the material and never let go. Rich in atmosphere and deftly balanced between horror, humour, and drama, it made for a thrilling and memorable evening – a blood-curdling success powered by the skill and dedication of the entire company.

National School Theatre Awards

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