The Service Players will stage an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic novel Dracula at the Gaiety Theatre later this week.

The production, which marks the play’s island premiere, will run at 7.30pm on November 5, 6 and 7.

John Walker will take the title role of Dracula, with Alex Duncan playing his adversary, Professor Van Helsing.

Walker appeared as Oberon in MADF’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year and as Jerry in The Good Life in June. Duncan, who has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre and the BBC, also appeared in The Good Life.

Other members of the cast include Manx Radio presenter Rob Pritchard as Dr Seward, Andrew Deighton as Renfield, Keira Mackey as Mina and Charlie Williams as Jonathan Harker.

Williams is co-director of Parodos and has appeared in productions of Jersey Boys and Come From Away. Mackey has previously worked with Parker and Snell and in theatre-in-education projects around the Island.

The production also features experienced local performers, including Service Players life members, and introduces young actor Lara Johnson as a vampiric child.

Kim Childs, who directed the company’s 2024 production of The Girl on the Train, is directing the show, with Alessandro Mazzotta as creative director.

Talking about the show, Kim said: ‘Having the opportunity to bring such an iconic production to the Gaiety Theatre has been a challenging privilege.

‘Dracula has been portrayed in many ways over the years, and we hope to have brought together some of the best elements whilst also giving the audience a slightly different, immersive experience with a little surprising magic thrown in.’

Tickets are available by calling 600555, visiting villagaiety.com, or in person at the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal or the Villa Marina.