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Fangs for the memories
Dracula
Mark Bruce Company
DanceXchange
The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
***** DRACULA, presented by the Mark Bruce
Company is a deliciously gothic interpretation of the Bram Stoker Novel. It is a spectacular show that exudes a chilling
excitement from beginning to end. Mark Bruce choreographs, directs and
even composes the popular horror story with a unique and enthralling
style which is captivating to the imagination. Dracula is a story with which many people are
familiar and its adaptations are endless. Mark Bruce’s artistic approach
to the story however is second to none. His interpretation results in
the audience seeing a version that not only reflects the essence of
Stoker’s original, but allows us to see the individuality and superb
skill of an endearing company. This Dracula is unlike any other portrayal.
First, the story is told by movement through Bruce’s daring style of
dance theatre. Immediately it is easy to understand his concepts along
with how the story unfolds through each dancer’s emotional approach to
their character. As a chorus or when performing solo, the audience
can see the individuality that each performer brings to whom they play.
The dance numbers were a wonder to behold, but what made this production
truly stand out was the believability of each character, which was
determined by their wonderful skills in the art of dance. There wasn’t an ounce of energy that was lost in
this two hour production, The audience felt an emotional attachment and
connection to the story throughout, but mostly during the second act,
where the conclusions of story and character really came to light. This
was fast paced and enchanting, not feeling scared or horrified, at what
is about to unfold.
Jonathan Goddard has a breathless talent and his
portrayal of The Count was truly magnificent. As well as giving a hugely
emotional journey to his role, Goddard’s gift of movement allowed the
audience to see Dracula’s inner most thoughts that only we were allowed
to see. The exposure allowed for an emotional connection between
audience and performer. Nicholas Cass-Beggs also showed a talent in more
ways than one. His booming operatic voice served as a refreshing
interlude in a humorous and charming scene of courting Eleanor Duval,
played excellently by Mina Harker. The use of a chorus of Vampire Brides played by
Nicole Guarino, Grace Jabbari and Hannah Kidd was the added extra that
made this production as spectacular as it was. Constantly changing with
each scene and aiding luidity to the story, the three girls gave
constant atmosphere, intense or humorous. Each showed pure talent of
dance were the constant story tellers. Almost looking at the story with
us, but playing an integral role to each scene. With movement and awe-inspiring talent aside,
this production was also visually captivating due to the wonderful
costume and set elements. Bruce’s concept clearly reflected a
gothic wonderland, with tall steel gates serving as a backdrop to each
place. The set was just as important to the production as the physical
movement. All performers used the visually stunning props and set as if
it were part of their own body. We saw the stage turn from Dracula’s terrifying
lair to a rowdy pub, a graveyard, the woods and the transitions to
create these visions in such an intimate space was a wonder to behold.
Dancers also became creatures with the help of breath-taking costumes.
With beautiful movement with the addition of beautiful design of mask,
it would be hard to believe that it is merely dancers and not the animal
of which was portrayed. This production was spectacular in every way. As
a piece of dance, the talent that is shown by everyone leaves you
speechless. This is theatre and Bruce is a storyteller, and the
emotional and often sensual commitment to character through dance makes
for a thrilling and magnificent experience.To 18-10-14 Elizabeth Halpin
15-10-14
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in fact, the ending was particularly captivating as we saw a stimulating
routine for the pursuit of Dracula. The first half captured what the
story told and presented us with a stunningly visual experience and
created the world in the most distinct style.