![Ali Hadji-Heshmati and Hiba Medina in Antigone [on strike] at Park Theatre, London. Photo: Nir Segal](https://theartiscapegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Antigone-on-strike-photo-by-Nir-Segal-D1_Standard-180x135.jpg "Antigone [on strike] | Review")
UK Premiere: March 2025 | Opening: 17 March | Previews from 8 March | Running until 3 May
Get ready for a wild ride through the iconic Gothic tale, as Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors reimagines Bram Stoker’s classic with a hilarious, fast-paced twist. The play features a pansexual, existential-crisis-plagued Count Dracula, and a cast of five talented actors swapping roles and costumes in a lightning-quick, gender-bending performance. With nods to comedy legends like Monty Python, Mel Brooks, and Charles Ludlam, this 90-minute, campy romp plays with sexuality, gender, and the magic of live theatre.
We caught up with Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors star Safeena Ladha, who plays Lucy Westfeldt (and others), to discuss the production ahead of its UK debut at The Menier Chocolate Factory.
Safeena, what attracted you to the role of Lucy Westfeldt?
“Firstly, I’m a spooky gal! I love Halloween, it’s my favourite day of the year, and I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer! So the opportunity to be in an adaptation of Dracula immediately excited me. Then seeing that it was an original take on the story drew me to it even more, and as I said, I think Lucy is very cool.”
How does this production differ from other adaptations of Dracula you’ve encountered?
“It’s funny, campy, gender-bending, and silly! It’s very Monty Python/Mel Brooks, which is super fun and unlike other Dracula adaptations I’ve seen.”
Since Dracula has been reimagined in various ways over the years, what sets Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen’s comedic take apart, and how does it influence your portrayal of Lucy?
“This production is an original take on the Dracula story. I have never come across an adaptation of this classic horror that is so heightened, funny, and campy. And even though this version is very different from most others, it feels so right! A completely appropriate way to tell this story. I have also never seen a version of Dracula that involves multi-rolling and gender swapping. That definitely sets it apart from the rest. Lucy is intelligent, logical, and adventurous. She also goes through a lot, emotionally, during the show. So my adaptation aims to portray all of this but within the heightened style of the show.”
Can you talk about the challenges of balancing comedy and horror in a show like this?
“Firstly, I love a comedy horror, and I think this show conveys this in a clever way. I think the challenge can be finding where something is funny because you’re playing the seriousness/horror of it or if it’s funny because you’re playing the comedy of it. But that’s also the fun of the journey.”
In a darkly comedic play like Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors, how do you navigate the fine line between humor and suspense?
“We have to make sure that moments really build to a big revelation, so we have been working on building tension throughout a scene. Pace also plays a big part in both creating humor and suspense, so we have been playing around with this a lot.”
Lucy Westfeldt is a key character in the Dracula mythos, often portrayed as a victim or romantic figure. How does your interpretation of her differ from traditional versions?
“Without giving any spoilers, this version of Lucy is definitely not a victim. I would say she’s the hero. This version of Lucy is a romantic figure for Dracula but not in the classic way. She is highly intelligent and adventurous. Audiences might see her as a sort of blend of the Lucy and Mina characters they already know from the book/movies.”
What elements of Lucy’s personality do you explore that may not be immediately obvious in other adaptations?
“Her intelligence. I think that is a key trait in this version of her.”
With your multiple roles in this production, how do you approach creating distinct characters while still contributing to the overall tone of the show?
“The accent is different for each character, which makes them immediately distinct from each other. In a fun show like this, playing with physicality to portray characters really helps and lends itself to the style of the show.”
Can you give us insight into how you switch between playing Lucy and other roles, and how that shapes your performance throughout the production?
“As mentioned above, physicality is probably the main thing. Then of course, accent. Other than that, having a thought for each character to enter each scene with helps to shape my performance journey.”
What has the rehearsal process been like for Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors?
“It’s been fun and fast-paced—just like the show! We are having a great time together, everyone is so talented and fun to work with.”
Have you had any particularly memorable or funny moments in rehearsals, especially given the comedic nature of the show?
“Oh, there’s already been so many. Lines going wrong, props accidentally flying out of people’s hands. Dianne’s pronunciation of ‘Count’ on the first day still lives in my mind.”
Don’t miss Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors at The Menier Chocolate Factory, opening March 17, 2025, with previews from March 8. Packed with high-energy performances and outrageous humour, this reimagining of the classic tale is a must-see event!
