Dracula's Guest

PRESS QUOTES

​

"Hyland oozes sophisticated terror as Dracula and is an impressively restrained and calculating predator. Spear is brilliant as Renfield, showcasing the tormented soul well... I was thoroughly impressed by the vivid and realistic chemistry between the two actors on stage. This is the third show I have seen performed by James Hyland and a Brother Wolf production. Each time Hyland impressively raises the bar of what is possible in modern theatre. His attention to detail is immaculate and the story is impressively researched so that its themes, nuances and vividly gothic ideals are brought into incredible life on stage... Hyland is a genius with adapting classic literature for the stage in vivid and immersive tales which leave shivers down your spine whilst desperately wanting more."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Cathie, THEATRE & TONIC

 

"Ashton Spear is phenomenal as Renfield, charting a devastating course from polite, baseline rationality to absolute, primal degradation. Spear commits so completely to the visceral decay of his character's mind that you can practically feel the panic vibrating off him. Hyland's Dracula, unlike in other recent adaptations I've seen, is not big or intimidating in stature. Instead, all of his power lies in his words. The way he plays with and manipulates his victim is pure poetry in motion. The rhythm of Hyland’s writing and delivery has a flow that had me clinging to every word. He is calm, yet calculated, and is simply terrifying. There is an icy, aristocratic stillness to his presence that commands the entire room. He doesn't need to shout or bare his fangs to dominate the space because his predatory intellect does all the heavy lifting for him. Utter genius. The physicality displayed by both actors is magnificent. There is an undeniable kinship between the two, which allows an intimacy and psychosexual relationship that is unparalleled. It's rare to see two performers not only so at ease with each other, but also giving themselves over completely to their characters. This is bona fide acting at its very best."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Neill Kovacic-Clarke, PINK PRINCE THEATRE

​

"a haunting production... What is fascinating about this version of events, is the unique perspective of Dracula - in a way, he is a victim in his own right... Despite the clear evil radiating off Dracula, through him, we learn what it means to be harmed and to thus cause harm in return... This play is not for the faint of heart, as it is deeply uncomfortable at times - though that is what makes it so wonderful... This fascinating play is perfect for those looking for a Bram Stoker reinterpretation or for a dark psychological exploration of loss, revenge, and death."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Kashmini Shah, VOICE MAGAZINE

 

"Hyland, commands and dominates the stage from the beginning. His powerful beguiling voice has you jumping in your seats on many occasions... The strong physical performance between Hyland and Spear was breathtaking at times... Sitting in the front row there was a genuine feeling of unease when Hyland came too close. It’s extremely unlikely he would have broken the fourth wall and spoken to the audience directly but the energy and tension levels were running high from his performance as Dracula that anything would have been possible. Adapted and directed by Hyland as well it is evident throughout the performance that he understands every twist and turn that is taken."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Elaine Chapman, THEATRE, ART AND FILM REVIEWS

​

"Dracula’s Guest is a pretty powerful slab of theatre... the two protagonists steadily ratcheted up their performance to transform an intriguing victim/captor conversation piece into an extraordinarily violent physical drama with strong homo-erotic overtones as it reached its bloody conclusion. We give it a 666/666 so go see it while you can."

Rating: ★★★★★

~SIMON'S HORRIBLE HOTHOUSE OF HORROR

​

"James Hyland has reawakened this somewhat neglected tale, using it as a vessel to explore modern-day themes... We see Dracula – played terrifically by James Hyland... delivering a 124-year-old tale as if it were new. This was the perfect choice of story to breathe new life into, applicable to modern-day themes yet true to Victorian gothic horror."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Eloise Lonsdale, OX MAGAZINE

​

"the Godfather of vampire adaptations. Unique, powerful and timely with thrilling performances by two actors at the top of their game. Absolutely unmissable."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Mark Carter, BRITISH THEATRE JOURNAL​

​

"Hyland is magnificent and terrifying. His voice ranges from soft cajoling to what a musician would call a subito fortissimo and he does it repeatedly so that neither you, the audience member, or Renfield within the play can relax for a second. He is a very dangerous man (or something) and the dramatic tension is sharply arresting... The synergy between these two actors, as they spar around each other in what is effectively a power struggle, is what drives this fine show. Moreover I have rarely seen a more convincing account of on-stage insanity building to a manic climax than Spear's work here."

~Susan Elkin, SARDINES MAGAZINE

 

"Both actors gave vocally flawless and emotively rich performances... James Hyland’s Dracula is perfectly extravagant with a veneer that masks his emptiness but enough emotion to hint at his former living self. His calculating nature is disguised by a dangerously charming front... His intensity and ferocity is terrifying, even in silence it is concentrated in his sharp, devious eyes. Ashton Spear's Renfield is morally robust and stubborn. Shaking and disturbed throughout as Dracula gaslights him, Renfield is tortured as he doubts or defends himself. The two orchestrate this claustrophobic power dynamic excellently. Renfield’s transformation was gripping and intense and felt strangely intrusive to watch. It was horrific but mesmerising... This play is politically relevant with fascinating psychological aspects and is a brilliantly clever, albeit disturbing take on a classic."

~Riana Howarth, NORTH WEST END UK​

​

"Excellent performances... the most intense 55 minutes of drama you’re ever likely to encounter."

~Julia Kruk, VOICES FROM THE VAULTS

​

"An incredible performance... 55 minutes of nerve-shredding suspense and a final scene that's guaranteed to shock you out of your seat and give you nightmares for weeks. This diabolical descent into Victorian Gothic horror is a must-see."

~Peter Fuller, VINCENT PRICE LEGACY UK​

​

"Unlike the short story written by Bram Stoker, we are taken on a psychological journey... There is sword play, and plenty of surprises, and some clever effects in this production...  We really enjoyed it... and when you see the abuse poor Renfield gets, you begin to feel sorry for him! The man must be black and blue by the end of the day. Do keep any eye out for it."

~Des Bradley, THE DRACULA SOCIETY

​

"a wildly vicious and vindictive vamp, taunting and teasing his Guest as he spiralled further into insanity. The characters generated feelings in the audience from shock to disgust, and occasional sympathy for both... I found the premise fascinating... The ending came with a truly terrifying twist that few expected... A thoroughly enjoyable hour. Heartily recommended!"

~ScareTOUR