Dracapella
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Park Theatre, London
Cast: Stephen Ashfield, Lorna Want, Keala Settle, Ako Mitchell, Alexander Belgarion Hackett (ABH Beatbox), Monique Ashe-Palmer, Ciarán Dowd and Philip Pope

When Harker sets off to Transylvania to sell a crumbling castle to a mysterious client, he doesn’t expect to wind up in a love triangle – or is that a square? – involving his wife, her best friend, and one very melodramatic vampire.​ Things spiral quickly; capes are flung, necks are bitten (accidentally), and a human beatboxer accompanies it all. Featuring a capella covers of everything from Somebody to Love to Eye of the Tiger, and more terrible puns than strictly necessary, Dracapella is a fast, funny, fang-filled festive treat.

Jukebox musicals are dominating the musical theatre scene and one of Bram Stoker's classic, Dracula, seems wildly unnecessary...but it somehow only makes the entire chaotic two hours even more brilliant and even funnier than it should be. The energy from the cast of eight is overflowing from the outset and doesn't dip throughout. 

The humour is quintessentially British and I'm not sure it would work anywhere near as well as it does if it played outside of the UK. The jokes are sometimes predictable and utterly ridiculous, but the simplicity of it all works so well and the comedic timing of the ensemble is second to none. There is something to say about less is more, and there were a few times throughout when it felt almost too much and I craved more songs. Especially with a cast that contains two of my favourite voices in musical theatre, Ako Mitchell and Keala Settle. 

As the name suggests, the show is a fusion of a Dracula retelling, along with a cappella hits of popular hits throughout the years. The sound design from Jonny Dobson is what sets this production apart from the rest. There are times when you truly forget that the show is a cappella because of the sound effects provided by Alexander Belgarion Hackett (ABH Beatbox). He uses his voice in a way that feels almost otherworldly, which fits with the show's premise perfectly...

With the show being a jukebox musical, there are many delights to listen to throughout. Particular standouts include 'Somebody to Love', 'I Need a Hero', 'A Thousand Years' and 'We Found Love'. The cast are some of the most vocally talented individuals, making even the most cheesy and cliché songs sound utterly delicious. 

While the entire ensemble is brilliant, Ciarán Dowd (Sinister/Van Helsing) and Stephen Ashfield (Harker) have a way with comedy that will leave your sides aching from laughter. The chemistry between all eight members is sizzling and it only aids in making the chaos even more enjoyable. Ako Mitchell and Keala Settle have some of the most powerful and smoothest vocals in musical theatre, and while the numbers might not showcase their entire range, they're simply exceptional.

If you're looking for a festive night out that's quirky, unpredictable and outrageously funny, look no further than Dracapella. While it may not be the most traditional production to see this time of year, it's absolutely fang-tastic. You'd be a sucker to miss it. Bat's all folks! (We had to end on cheesy puns, right?)

You can book tickets to Dracapella, here.

**photo credit: Craig Sugden**