Dracula? In Derby?

The history of Dracula in Derby goes back precisely 100 years...

When you hear the word Dracula, I’m sure there is a definite impression that comes to mind – the Count is one of those iconic characters that everyone has a visual feel of, whatever your reference point. It might be the novel itself, Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman or another impression entirely, but we are doubtless discussing the world’s most famous vampire.

And what places come to mind? The count’s home of Transylvania is one of the first to stand out, or you might think about the inspiration that Whitby provided to Stoker himself.

For many of you, Derby is not liable to be on that list, but we think it should be – and that’s what Dracula Returns to Derby is all about. Our city right in the heart of the country has a stronger relationship to Stoker’s character than you might think…

If you’ve read the book you will know that the original Dracula is a more dangerous, horrific and monstrous figure than we tend to see today, somebody to be repelled by rather than being attracted to. So how did the suave, well-dressed Dracula that we see often see these days come about?

Well, that transformation began right here in Derby! On the 15th of May 1924, Dracula stepped onto the stage for the first time at the Grand Theatre on Babington Lane in a play written by Hamilton Deane – who played the role of Van Helsing himself on the night. And it was here that the Dracula we know and love best was born – well-spoken, debonair and charming.

The play was a massive success in Derby, and in time would head to the West End and even tour America. Much of the cast who performed in Derby would continue in the show in London, and it was on Broadway that Bela Lugosi would begin his famous association with the iconic character. In fact, Lugosi would revive the play for a UK tour and come to Derby in 1951 to play the iconic character again.

With this notable 100th anniversary upon us, Dracula Returns to Derby seeks to explore the ways in which Dracula has been adapted and transformed from Bram Stoker’s novel – a process that began right here in the city!

I’ve mentioned a few of the famous examples above, but did you know that we have seen Billy the Kid vs Dracula? Bonnie and Clyde vs Dracula? Batman vs Dracula? Dracula vs Frankenstein? Mexican wrestler El Santo vs Dracula? This is a vampire who can be inserted into different settings with ease, and even depicted in very different ways to what was established all the way back in the acclaimed novel of 1897. You could argue this is what has made the count so iconic – it is estimated there have been more than 200 versions of Dracula made all around the world for TV and film, not to mention the countless books, short stories and video games to also feature the best-known vampire ever.

On this blog, we’ll be exploring not only the main events and activities taking place as part of the Dracula Returns to Derby, but also exploring the many sides of this legendary character. Join us on the journey as we see Dracula evolve.

How to get involved

The project needs you to create a series of city-wide workshops and events exploring the world’s most famous vampire.

We are recruiting 'Dracbassadors' to celebrate all the versions of Dracula, from the ‘Derby Dracula’ to the friendly owner of Hotel Transylvania. If you have an idea for events and creative workshops, we have a Dracula Fund to support them: Derby is the place where Dracula transforms.

Become a 'Dracbassador' and help restore Derby’s place in the story of Dracula! More information to follow soon.