Dracula Has Never Looked So Tempting
By Greer Valaquenta
BIG Live’s Dracula brought Bram Stoker’s classic to life in a beautifully atmospheric production at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre as part of its world tour.
A gothic feast of haunting choreography, cinematic staging and seductive storytelling, BIG Live's Dracula proved ballet didn't need words to leave a lasting impression when it hit Edinburgh last week. Atmospheric, accessible and deliciously dark, this reimagining of Bram Stoker's classic offers an unforgettable night at the theatre.
Darkly romantic, intimate, and visually striking with its use of real life chiaroscuro, BIG Live’s Dracula, choreographed by Joel Burke, transforms the classic tale into an interpolated plot that kept me guessing. Instead of the classic narrative of Bram Stoker’s magnum opus, my experience was of a rendition that blurred the lines between the novel and the many cinematic representations that have been made since. There were several occasions of confusion as I attempted to grasp where we were… England? Transylvania? Who are these newlyweds and why are they invited to Dracula’s castle? Never mind though, you’re soon swept away with a beautifully executed arabesque to a swell of Rachmaninov.
The musical accompaniment was an arrangement of classical tracks that even the most casual of film and theatregoers would recognise: Mendelssohn for a wedding scene, Claire de Lune (Twilight reference anyone?), and the theatricality of introducing the Dracula character with the “vampire sound effect” Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, eliciting a murmur of laughter throughout the theatre. At times, the music was perfect for the scene, and at others, it pulled me out of the narrative because of the piece being too well known, making me think of other times I had heard the track before rather than focussing on what was happening on stage. The repeated use of Lacrimosa for the scenes featuring the Brides of Dracula both worked well to underscore the drama and tragically reminded me of every time the piece had been used satirically in a comedy. The juxtaposition could swing your opinion either way, but to me it was almost camp. The Brides of Dracula were my favourite part, at times giving me shivers up my spine at the creepiness of their choreography and costuming.
Another major factor in my enjoyment was the set design and lighting. From the moment the curtain rose, the production immersed me in gothic architecture, misty forests, and a moodily lush bedroom. At its heart, Dracula is a story about temptation, obsession, hunger, and the eternal struggle between darkness and light. The ballet format heightens these themes beautifully. The result is a production that feels intensely cinematic while remaining unmistakably theatrical.
What makes this touring production particularly compelling to me is its artistic accessibility. You don't need to be a ballet aficionado to be enthralled by its storytelling. The gothic imagery is instantly recognisable, while the power of the performances transcends language entirely. That was shown in the audience attending, filled with ballet fans and newbies alike. Whether you're a devoted ballet lover, a vampire enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the theatre, BIG Live’s Dracula offers a captivating introduction to the art form.
Atmospheric, seductive and undeniably dramatic, this is ballet with a deliciously dark bite. Performed at Edinburgh Festival Theatre as part of BIG Live's international tour, the production now continues its journey across the globe, with San Francisco the next stop on its world tour.