A radical theatre production is coming to Bristol where the audience is urged to give blood.
Exeter-based theatre company Four of Swords is bringing its pioneering, multi-media production of Dracula to Ashton Court Mansion, which 'plunges the audience into an exploration of blood and its symbolic significance in mythology, religion, and literature'.
The play, which will be at the venue between March 18 and 28, also explores the development of blood science into 21st century medicine, featuring references to modern understanding of blood-based diseases and cures.
Doctor Dracula comes to Bristol after a successful run in Devon, where it opened at the National Trust’s Knightshayes, near Tiverton, in October 2019.
Research and information for the gruesome story was supplied by Professor Nick Groom and Dr Luke Pilling, who both lecture at the University of Exeter.
They say the show aims to improve understanding of rare and treatable blood disorders and to encourage an increase in NHS blood donations.
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Co-director Philip Kingslan John said: "The aim of the show is to raise awareness, yes, but also to amuse, to inspire and terrify audiences in equal measure.
"I am fascinated by how our understanding of blood has changed through the ages, and the immortal life of the vampire is the perfect vehicle to explore this."
How are people encouraged to give blood?
Doctor Dracula will raise awareness of conditions such as haemochromatosis, a genetic condition which causes people to absorb too much iron from their diet.
The show will not only raise awareness, but medical professionals will also be on hand to answer further questions and drive recruitment for the NHS Give Blood programme.
Doctor Dracula is written, produced and performed by Four of Swords.
It is a promenade production, which means the audience will be on their feet for the 80-minute duration of the show, following the action through different rooms and locations.
Tickets for the show, which is 'too creepy for under 11s', are available on the Ticket Source website.
