Dracula comes to Bridge House Theatre in Penge from 20–31 October 2026, bringing Bram Stoker’s Gothic classic properly local for Halloween. Andrew and David Hobbs’ adaptation gives the familiar story a useful twist by reframing Mina Harker as a celebrated vampire hunter forced to defend her account to a sceptical Victorian scientific society.
Check Dracula at Bridge House Theatre tickets →
Latest Update
The Bridge House Theatre currently lists Dracula from 20–31 October 2026 at 7:30pm. The production is written by Andrew and David Hobbs, directed by Andrew Hobbs and produced by British Touring Shakespeare.
Overview
This version starts from an intriguing place: Mina Harker is not simply caught inside Dracula’s story, but introduced as a vampire hunter forced to defend the truth of what happened to her. The scientific society listening to her initially intends to discredit her claims, before the account of Dracula, Van Helsing and the horrors surrounding them begins to change the room.
The Story
Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel has been adapted for stage and screen countless times, but the shift in perspective here gives Mina more agency within the familiar Gothic framework. That makes the production especially interesting for readers who enjoy comparing how classic texts change when they move from page to stage.
Cast
- Ellie Ward — Mina Harker
- Will Croft — Abraham Van Helsing / Professor Hardwicke
- Paul Winterford — Count Dracula
- Lizzie Sharpe — Lucy Westenra
- Brendan Matthew — John Seward
- Cici Clarke — Renfield / Captain of the Demeter
- Alistair Smith — Quincey Morris
Creative Team
- Writers: Andrew & David Hobbs
- Director: Andrew Hobbs
- Producer: British Touring Shakespeare
- Musical Director / Composer: Alistair Smith
- Fight Choreography: Tom Thornhill
- Costume Design: Amanda Beauchamp
- Lighting Design: Luke Adamson
Dates & Venue
Dates: 20–31 October 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: The Bridge House Theatre, 2 High Street, Penge, London SE20 8RZ.
The theatre is less than a minute from Penge West station and is also within reach of Penge East and Crystal Palace stations.
Tickets
Tickets are available through the production’s official Bridge House Theatre listing. Check the live booking page for current availability and prices before travelling.
Official Dracula listing and tickets
Why See It
This is a particularly good Clarissa’s Corner crossover: local South East London theatre, Gothic literature, horror and Halloween all in one production. The Mina-led framing also gives adaptation fans something more substantial to dig into than a straightforward retelling.
Dracula: From Page to Stage
Stoker’s novel has survived because each generation finds a new way into it. A stage adaptation can make choices about whose version of events takes centre stage, how fear is created in a live room and which parts of the novel are compressed, expanded or reinterpreted.
For more stories moving between books, film and theatre, explore From Covers to Curtains.
Accessibility
Important: the Bridge House Theatre states that the theatre is on the first floor of the Bridge House Pub and is currently only accessible by stairs. Visitors with access requirements are advised to contact the venue directly before booking so the team can discuss what assistance may be possible.
Practical Information
Location: Penge, South East London
Nearest station: Penge West
Season: Halloween 2026
FAQ
When is Dracula at Bridge House Theatre?
It runs from 20–31 October 2026, with performances currently listed at 7:30pm.
Who plays Dracula?
Paul Winterford plays Count Dracula, with Ellie Ward as Mina Harker and Will Croft as Abraham Van Helsing / Professor Hardwicke.
Is Bridge House Theatre step-free?
No. The venue currently states that the theatre is on the first floor and is only accessible by stairs.
More Horror & Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
Continue with the Halloween 2026 guide, browse current Horror Events, explore Chill & Thrill or head into From Covers to Curtains for more adaptations.
