Dracula Returns to Derby

The iconic image of Dracula was invented in Derby. His cloak, evening dress, and even his charming manner derive from Hamilton Deane’s 1924 stage adaptation, the premiere of which took place at Derby Grand Theatre.

Dracula Returns to Derby restores the city’s place in the story of the world’s most famous vampire by highlighting the city’s connections to Bram Stoker, Hamilton Deane and Bela Lugosi.

Events have included two talks from Bram Stoker’s great-grandnephew and Dracula scholar Dacre Stoker, the first running of the UK Dracula Film Festival, panel discussions for Dracula at Derby Theatre and Edge-Lit, and many more.

The year-long project concludes with our May 2025 ‘Dracula Returns’ conference, taking place at the Museum of Making and QUAD, with plans to establish regular Dracula activities within the city with a charitable group.

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Upcoming events

A series of public workshops and events connect the city with the world’s most famous vampire.

Dracula Returns to Derby is an Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded research project led by the University of Derby in partnership with Derby Museums, Derby Theatre, Bournemouth University and Sheffield Hallam University.