Dracula Returns to Derby Events and Workshops

Events

When Dracula came to Derby with Dr Ann Featherstone

Date: 2pm - 3:30pm, Saturday 7 September

Venue: The Wardwick, Derby Museum and Art Gallery

1924. The year that Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, was transformed into a stage play and had its premiere, not in the glitzy West End, but in Derby, at the Grand Theatre, Babbington Lane. 

Here, dracula's trademark long black cape was first seen and a nurse patrolled the aisles to aid terror-stricken members of the audience! It was the beginning of the long stage career of the vampire Count, which would take the play from Derby to London and then to New York, when Hollywood beckoned. Join Dr Ann Featherstone in exploring this remarkable theatre debut and its reception in Derby and elsewhere. 

This event is part of Dracula Returns to Derby, an AHRC-funded research project led by the University of Derby in partnership with Derby Museums, Derby Theatre, Bournemouth University and Sheffield Hallam University. A series of public workshops and events connect the city with the world's most famous vampire. 

To found out more information, including how to book your place, head to Derby Museum's webpage.

Blackeyed Theatre in association with Harrogate Theatre and South Hill Park Arts Centre presents Dracula

Date: 17 - 21 September 

Venue: Derby Theatre

Adapted by Nick Lane, this brilliant, theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker's adventure blends Victorian Gothic with the Contemporary. Showcasing Blackeyed Theatre's trademark ensemble performance style and featuring a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design, makes for an exhilarating theatrical experience. 

To book, visit the Derby Theatre webpage.

The UK Dracula Film Festival

Date: 20 - 22 September 

Venue: QUAD, Derby

One of fiction's most enduring characters, since the publication of Stoker's novel the Count has also been one of the most adapted. This weekend event celebrates Dracula in all his forms, from acclaimed classics to the truly weird and wonderful takes on the world's best-known vampire. We'll also be featuring talks from film experts to reflect on the legacy of Dracula on screen. 

You can pick up a full festival pass to access all the screenings and events over the weekend, and tickets for individual screenings are available at QUAD's cinema prices. 

Passes: £60 (standard), £50 (concessions)

QUAD members will receive a £5 discount

Visit QUAD's website to find out more information on this event.

Dracula or The Undead: A Macabre Matinee

Date: 2:30pm - 4:30pm, Sunday 13 October 

Venue: The Wardwick, Derby Museum and Art Gallery 

Join us for a macabre matinee as Don't Go Into The Cellar present an original one-man show adapted from the great Bram Stoker Gothic novel. 

Jonathan Goodwin plays Count Dracula, Lord of the Undead, and a host of others in this classic tale of late-Victorian vampirism! Prepare to learn the bloody truth that lies beyond the legend!

Written and performed by Jonathan Goodwin, winner of the 2020 Hamilton Deane Award from the Dracula Society (previous winners include Mark Gatiss and Benedict Cumberbatch). 

After the performance there will be an informal Q and A with Jonathan. 

This event is part of Dracula Return to Derby, an AHRC-funded research project led by the University of Derby in partnership with Derby Museums, Derby Theatre, Bournemouth University and Sheffield Hallam University. A series of public workshops and events connect the city with the world's most famous vampire. 

For additional information including how to book, head to Derby Museum's webpage.

This event is suitable for those aged 18 and over. 

Workshops

Our workshops begin in September. If you are interested in developing them, then please sign up to be a Dracbassador by completing our project survey. We are holding a Workshop Development Day on Tuesday 17 September.