Move over, Dracula — there’s a new Countess in town! This autumn, Camden People’s Theatre is set to host Countess Dracula, a bold, hilarious, and blood-soaked reimagining of Bram Stoker’s gothic classic — and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Here’s everything you need to know about the show that’s turning the horror legend on its head…
1. It’s a Radical Reworking of a Classic
Forget bats and capes — this Dracula bites back in a whole new way. The show transforms Bram Stoker’s tale into a darkly comic exploration of menopause, ageing, and transformation. Expect absurd humour, theatrical madness, and a touch of end-of-the-pier chaos.
2. The Stars Are Comedy Gold
It’s performed by Joanna Holden (Told by an Idiot, Cirque du Soleil) and Jack Kelly (Shrimshanks, Withered Optimism). Together they deliver a vaudeville-style double act — where real life and performance blur deliciously. Critics have called their past work “madcap brilliance” and “sheer comedic joy.”
3. It’s Horror Meets Hot Flush
At its heart is a woman grappling with menopause — but with blood, fury, and a wicked sense of humour. Think Beckett meets Hammer Horror, as the Countess tries to reclaim her power by siphoning off youthful masculinity. It’s weird, wild, and wonderfully feminist.
4. It’s Backed by Real Stories
The creative team behind the show, OftheJackel, ran workshops with real people experiencing menopause. Their stories shaped the show — making it heartfelt as well as hilariously strange. It’s a rare production that truly listens to women’s lived experiences.
5. It’s On for One Week Only
Catch Countess Dracula at Camden People’s Theatre from 29 October – 1 November 2025. Expect horror, hilarity, and maybe a little bloodshed — all served with a wink and a wicked laugh.