A tale of terror revisited (From Stroud News and Journal)

A tale of terror revisited

THE ultimate tale of Gothic terror is coming back to life. Dracula is appearing, in all his gory glory, at Cheltenham's Everyman this week.

Sensual yet deadly, the fearsome figure of Dracula has haunted and enthralled generations. It's the epic story of good and evil, darkness and light.

Bram Stoker's novel of terror and intrigue has been given a twenty-first century twist with the characters facing a thing of legends and myths in a world of e-mail and text messages.

The production features some of Gloucestershire's very own rising stars. Samuel Cooper (aged 8), Elizabeth Yeoman (aged 7) and Thomas Smith (who will be Samuel's Understudy and is aged 8) are all students at the local Stagecoach drama school.

"The children are absolutely delighted!" said Stagecoach Principal Sharon Isaacs.

"Samuel, who is eight years old, has recently moved into the older children's class and his acting has gone from strength to strength.

"Thomas is also eight; he's so excited about the show and is really looking forward to the whole experience even if he doesn't get to appear!

"Seven-year-old Elizabeth is counting down the days until the show and is especially excited about seeing her costume."

Christopher Cazenove, star of Dynasty, plays Van Helsing; a man determined to rid the world of Dracula's evil, with The Bill star and Little Britain regular Hywel Simons who plays Dr Seward.

They're joined by TV favourites Laura Howard (who plays John Nettles' daughter, Cully Barnaby, in Midsomer Murders) and Casualty favourite Ben Keaton.

Dracula runs at the Cheltenham Everyman from Monday, April 4 to Saturday, April 9. Tickets are available from the box office.