The Lyric Hammersmith Theater from London has unveiled the cast for its next production of “Dracula”, a new adaptation of the classic horror of Bram Stker.
The adaptation comes from the playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (“Emilia”, “La Guêpe”) and will be led by Emma Baggg (“A Taste of Honey”). The production aims to discover female voices at the heart of history, with the story told through the perspective of Mina Harker as the only survivor of tragic events. The only survivor of the tragic events told in the famous letters, Mina recounts her version of Dracula’s trip from Transylvania to London. Alongside the allies of trust, and in memory of her beloved friend Lucy, they rush to reconstruct the truth of her monstrous desires.
The production will show off Mei Mac (“My neighbor Totoro”) like Lucy, Jack Myers (“Say Nothing”, “Masters of the Air”) like Jonathan and Umi Myers (“Dope Girls”, “Le Miroir et la Lumière”) like Mina. Phoebe Naughton (“The Comedy of Errors”, “The Snow Queen”), is as Van Helsing / Ensemble, Macy Seelochan (“As You Like It”, “Shadow and Bone”) as Olympic Games, and B Terry (“Cabaret”) as Renfield / Ensemble.
“There is a timeless obsession for ‘Dracula’ ‘by Bram Stoker who has been so exciting to dig so far and I can’t wait to work with Emma and our incredible distribution and team to bring her on stage,” said Malcolm. “Horror has long been a genre that I liked and be able to explore this classic story in the context of the frightening moments we are experiencing has been particularly important and exciting.”
Malcolm, who was responsible by the globe to write “Emilia” (which was transferred to the western end in 2019 and won three Olivier Awards), now directs terrifying women with Abi Zakarian, Sampira and Amanda Castro, producing horror pieces written by women.
Baggott said: “We have formed a company of brilliant and resilient human beings who are all ready to face the frightening adaptation of Morgan Lloyd Malcom of” Dracula “and to confront the monsters of our time.”
The creative team includes Grace Smart as a set and costume designer, Joshie Harriette as a lighting designer, Adam Cork as a sound composer and designer, Chi-San Howard as a movement director, John Bulleid and Gareth Kalyan as an illusion designers, and Bethan Clark as a combat and intimacy.
“I am so delighted to be part of this fascinating new production of” Dracula “,” said Umi Myers. “Morgan Lloyd Malcom has injected a new life into this classic tale, which will excite (and scare) the new audience as well as those who already like the kind of horror.”
Rachel O’Riordan, artistic director of Lyric Hammersmith Theater, positioned production as part of the striking year of the theater: “I am delighted that this new adaptation of the classic Bram Stker is playing on the lyric standard Hammersmith Stage in September.
The casting is of Heather Basten CDG, with Louisa Smith as a casting partner and Joyce Lulendo as a casting assistant.
“Dracula” takes place from September 11 to October 11.
