The Craigdarroch Castle
Dracula -The Blood is the Life an adaptation of Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dates and Venue , BC - 1050 Joan Crescent, October 23, 24, 29 & 31 @ 8pm, October 25, 26 & 30 @ 7pm & 9pm | Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria

Director Ian Case Cast members Trevor Hinton, Christina Patterson, Michael Shewchuk, Matthew Coulson, and David Radford, Ian Case

Reviewer Karen Fitzgibbon


It is evening as we arrive at the luxurious Craigdarroch Castle. Floodlights emphasize the dramatic architecture of this real castle built for Robert Dunsmuir in 1887. The castle is just a short walk from the harbour.

Inside we wipe our shoes and are instructed not to touch anything only the banisters. We are in amazement as we take in the gorgeous stain glass and finely crafted wooden details. What a beautiful sight looking down through the many levels of staircases.

This is not a seated performance and you must keep in mind there are many levels and stairs to climb. We move from room to room on various floors to view the play which brings the audience to an “up close and personal” encounter with Dracula.

The setting is Victorian London and the story of the curse of Count Dracula. Dr Seward and Professor Van Helsing try to fight off the curse. This is a truly unique performance given that you are in a real castle and that the play is moving from room to room.

David Radford plays a fine Dracula with a booming voice and excellent acting. He appears in 2 or 3 places simultaneously. This scary re-enactment at Halloween time makes the show more fun.

The performance could have used more effects such as lightning or thunder rather than just flickering lights. Dracula - The Blood is the Life is not the best rendition of a Dracula play that I have seen but the fact that it is presented in a real Craigdarroch Castle at Halloween makes it fun.

© 2013 Karen Fitzgibbon