A musical with fangs (From Stroud News and Journal)

A musical with fangs

THE JILL Woods Theatre Company returns with a bitingly funny new show this November, in the shape of the batty vampire musical comedy Dracula Spectacula.

After the disappointing cancellation of last year's West Side Story, due to Jill Woods fracturing her foot on holiday, she is eager to get back into the fray.

"You can't direct and choreograph something like West Side Story on crutches," she said. "But now I'm fully mobile and raring to go."

Dracula Spectacula is a spoofy musical with a great score that pricks fun at Bram Stoker's gory, gothic original and the Hammer horror films starring Christopher Lee.

"It's a golden opportunity for the technical team to have a bonanza with special effects, lighting and some wonderful costumes," said Jill.

The story follows the fortunes of Nadia, a young American teacher who takes a group of her pupils to Transylvania on a geography trip. Staying at the Inn owned by Hansel and Gretel, they meet a host of colourful characters, including vampire hunter Dr Nick, who falls in love with Nadia.

They also investigate the lowering castle of the toothy Count, where they meet Dracula (played by Alex Farrow), his lunatic mother, Wraithe, hunchbacked retainer Genghis and the Fangtasticks, Dracula's beautiful brides.

"It's full of hilarious scenes," added Jill. "It really is a must see show for all the family."

Dracula Sepctacula is sponsored by The Stroud News and Journal and all proceeds go to the CLIC cancer charity.

The production takes place at the Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud on Monday, November 7 to Saturday, November 12 at 7.30pm. There will be a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from Stroud Tourist Information Centre at the Subscription Rooms.