We have it on very good authority that the Prince of Vampires will be taking up residence at Bingley Arts Centre on April 20th and he won't be alone. Alongside him, representing the forces of darkness, will be Countess Wraith and Genghis the "grovelling minion" as well as some zombies and a fanged bride or two. But all is not lost! Lined up for the fight AGAINST evil are Dr Nick Necrophiliac, Father O'Stake, innkeepers Hansel and Gretel (wrong story surely!) and their friends from the Karloffia Sanatorium for Glublick addicts!!
 | | Any luck with the stake? |
Caught up in this fight to the death, or in this case perhaps we should say the 'undeath', is Miss Nadia Naïve and her three pupils... This fight between good and eveil is brought to West Yorkshire courtesy of the Bingley little Theatre's Youth Group, Kaleidoscope, in the form of a spooky musical The Dracula Spectacula (aka Fangs Ain't What They Used To Be!). With words by John Gardiner and score by Andrew Parr, the musical was first performed in 1976. Originally written for young people, it is now just as popular with adult drama companies. Formed four years ago, Kaleidoscope are also hoping to build on their previous successes. Last year its production of The Oedipus Plays won a number of awards at the Wharfedale Festival of Theatre. But Dracula - the musical - may seem a long way from Oedipus. Director Rosemary Grainger says: "I think it is important that we tackle a variety of types of play and it seemed right this year to turn to something with more immediate appeal to the students themselves.Ìý Rehearsals certainly suggest that they are thoroughly enjoying bringing this show to life.Ìý
"The Dracula Spectacula is, however, demanding in its own way with opportunities for both comedy and melodrama and frequent changes of mood.ÌýWe hope that the more serious, atmospheric and sinister moments will be effective and distinct from the spoof sequences.Ìý Above all, we hope that everyone will enjoy the drama, the music and the fun.†So, if you want to spend a night or two in Transylvania, get along to Bingley Arts Centre between April 20th and 22nd. Performances start at 7.30pm. | 
