Blackeyed Theatre is bringing its production of Dracula to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford from February 4 to 8.

The time is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. Poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, an altogether darker fear is emerging.

As a new shadow looms large over England, a small group of young men and women, led by Professor van Helsing, are plunged into an epic struggle for survival.

Stretching from London, through provincial England, to the mountainous wastes of Transylvania, Bram Stoker’s timeless gothic thriller embodies the struggle to break taboos, resist temptation and stop the unknown outside becoming the enemy within.

Adapted by Nick Lane, this brilliant, theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian gothic with the contemporary, showcasing Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble performance style and featuring a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience.

The cast of six includes Maya-Nika Bewley, playing the roles of Mina Harker and Dr Hennessey, David Chafer, playing the roles of Abraham van Helsing and Count Dracula, Richard Keightley, playing the roles of Dr John Seward and Count Dracula, Pelé Kelland-Beau, playing the roles of Jonathan Harker and Quincey Morris, Marie Osman, playing the roles of Lucy Westenra and Renfield, and Harry Rundle, playing the roles of Arthur Holmwood and Count Dracula.

Dracula is adapted and directed by Nick Lane, the associate director and literary manager at Hull Truck from 2006 to 2014, with original music composed by Tristan Parkes.

The creative team also includes Enric Ortuño, the movement and intimacy director, Victoria Spearing, the set designer, Naomi Gibbs, the costume designer, and Oliver Welsh, the lighting designer.

Writer and director Nick Lane said: “I'm always excited to work with Blackeyed Theatre, and Dracula is such a cracking work - tense, dense and dripping with menace.

“I wanted to tell the classic story, but also to try to explore certain elements within it in a slightly different way.

“When you blend the familiar and the strange, as we did with Jekyll & Hyde and more recently the Sherlock adaptation The Valley Of Fear, what you're hoping is that the fans of the story - whether in book, film or TV form - feel you've done Bram Stoker justice, while those that are coming to Dracula with no preconceptions are drawn in by the mystery of who Count Dracula is. And of course ultimately you want to give everyone a great night out."

Adrian McDougall, the artistic director of Blackeyed Theatre, said: “The year 2024 marks Blackeyed Theatre’s 20th birthday and what better way to celebrate than with Bram Stoker’s classic.

“Dracula gives audiences a little bit of everything and really encapsulates what Blackeyed Theatre is all about – telling fantastic stories with passion, originality and unashamed theatricality.

“And I’m proud that it furthers our mission to help ensure regional audiences get choice when it comes to high quality theatre.”

Dracula is produced by Blackeyed Theatre in association with Harrogate Theatre and South Hill Park Arts Centre.

There are performances at 7.30pm every night, and at 2.30pm on February 6 and 8. For tickets, priced from £23 (concessions from £15), call 01483 440000 or visit https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/dracula