Dracapella is a show that wears its title on its sleeve – literally – as Dan Patterson and Jez Bond's musical romp through the Victorian vampire novel Dracula. With a lineup of 80s power ballads and champion beatboxing, this spooky comedy has all the ingredients for a howling good time.
The show's irreverent humor is never far away, with the undead Romanian count getting his 400-year search for love to an unforgettable soundtrack. One can almost hear the distant echoes of Frankenstein's global success in ABH Beatbox's beatboxing antics, which are undoubtedly inspired by their own globetrotting success.
But Dracapella is more than just a novelty act – it's a show that playfully subverts its own storytelling cliches at every turn. With a script that sends up everything from train replacements to metaphysical feats, this is a comedy that knows how to have fun with itself.
The cast, including comedian Ciarán Dowd and Philip Pope, deliver spirited performances that keep the show moving despite moments where it feels slightly effortful. The supporting cast of comedians pack in plenty of laughs as they bring Dracula's world to life, from Harker's deranged predecessor warbling along to Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" to Keala Settle delivering a show-stopping rendition of At Last.
What truly makes Dracapella special, however, is its clever arrangement of songs and inventive wordplay. With Cyndi Lauper, Bonnie Tyler, and Survivor all making an appearance on the soundtrack, the result is a winningly incongruous blend of music that is both fun to listen to and good for your soul.
Overall, Dracapella is a hilarious send-up of its own storylines, delivered with panache by a talented cast who know how to have a laugh. It's a show that wears its puns on its sleeve – or rather, in its title – and it's an absolute treat to behold.
The show's irreverent humor is never far away, with the undead Romanian count getting his 400-year search for love to an unforgettable soundtrack. One can almost hear the distant echoes of Frankenstein's global success in ABH Beatbox's beatboxing antics, which are undoubtedly inspired by their own globetrotting success.
But Dracapella is more than just a novelty act – it's a show that playfully subverts its own storytelling cliches at every turn. With a script that sends up everything from train replacements to metaphysical feats, this is a comedy that knows how to have fun with itself.
The cast, including comedian Ciarán Dowd and Philip Pope, deliver spirited performances that keep the show moving despite moments where it feels slightly effortful. The supporting cast of comedians pack in plenty of laughs as they bring Dracula's world to life, from Harker's deranged predecessor warbling along to Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" to Keala Settle delivering a show-stopping rendition of At Last.
What truly makes Dracapella special, however, is its clever arrangement of songs and inventive wordplay. With Cyndi Lauper, Bonnie Tyler, and Survivor all making an appearance on the soundtrack, the result is a winningly incongruous blend of music that is both fun to listen to and good for your soul.
Overall, Dracapella is a hilarious send-up of its own storylines, delivered with panache by a talented cast who know how to have a laugh. It's a show that wears its puns on its sleeve – or rather, in its title – and it's an absolute treat to behold.