In 1924, the shadow of Dracula first stretched across the stage at Derby’s Grand Theatre. Hamilton Deane’s production marked the birth of the vampire legend in live theatre, sparking a century of spine-chilling adaptations on stage and screen.
Now, 101 years later, Derby Theatre brings Dracula’s origins back to life. As part of Dracula Returns to Derby, a citywide celebration of this historic anniversary, a talented company of community actors have recorded seven gripping audio performances featuring extracts from the original script and novel.
Step into the past and hear the very words that gave Dracula his first theatrical breath—performed by the voices of Derby today.
Each listening explored a process that has empowered local citizens in co-creation, giving them voice, helping them to develop new skills and build relationships, and supporting them to influence Derby’s cultural offer and identity.
Such a process exemplifies the many participatory artistic projects that Dracula Returns to Derby and the Derby Dracula Foundation have sponsored.
LISTENING ONE | Dracula and the Maid
LISTENING TWO | Mina’s Dream
LISTENING THREE | Faith and Belief
LISTENING FOUR | Reflections
LISTENING FIVE | The Vampire
LISTENING SIX | Enter, Dracula
LISTENING SEVEN | The Prologue
This production was part of Dracula Returns to Derby, 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. For more information about the project please visit: www.derby.ac.uk/dracula, or follow www.facebook.com/thederbydracula or www.instagram.com/derbydracula.