Two adaptations of gothic classics with a twist are heading to a York stage this month.
Forget the fancy dress parties and horror movie marathons, Halloween is starting at Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
York theatre group Black Sheep Theatre are bringing The Hunchback of Notre Dame to life in a powerful musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, and local theatre troupe Stage Hammer invites audiences into the haunting world of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Friday 10 to Saturday 18 October.
It features music by Alan Menken, whose extensive credits include other Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, with iconic songs like ‘Out There’, ‘God Help the Outcasts’, and ‘Hellfire’.
Set in 15th Century Paris, The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, the bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, whose life is changed forever by his encounter with the compassionate Esmeralda.
Themes of love, faith, justice, and acceptance resound throughout this poignant tale, which explores the power of the human spirit in the face of cruelty and prejudice.
This production from Black Sheep Theatre places the issues of ‘otherness’, disability, and prejudice at the forefront, offering a contemporary resonance to Hugo’s classic tale.
Quasimodo communicates through sign language throughout the performance, with his ‘Voice’ translating for the audience, creating a powerful and moving layer to the storytelling.
Inkeeping with Black Sheep Theatre Productions’ commitment aim to accessibility and inclusion, selected performances will also feature a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, ensuring that the production is welcoming and accessible to a wider audience.
The cast features Jack James Fry as Quasimodo, Dan Poppitt as the Voice of Quasimodo, Jack Hooper as Claude Frollo, Ayana Beatrice Poblete as Esmeralda, James Robert Ball as Clopin Trouillefou, Robbie Wallwork as Phoebus de Martin, Richard Bayton as Saint Aphrodisius, Emily Pratt as Florika, Kailum Farmery as Jehan Frollo, and Peter Stanford as Father Dupin.
Matthew Peter Clare directs and musical directs, with choreography from Charlie Clarke and assistant direction from Molly Whitehouse.
Tickets start from £14 and are available via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website.
For Halloween, Stage Hammer are presenting a bold new stage adaptation of the gothic classic Dracula. Faithful to the original 1897 novel while honouring the century of mythology that followed, this production promises to deliver a chilling, atmospheric retelling of one of literature’s most enduring legends.
Dracula is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Thursday 30 to Friday 31 October.
Unlike traditional adaptations centred on a single protagonist, this version of Dracula, written by Christopher C. Corbett, mirrors Stoker’s original structure and shifts between multiple perspectives.
“With this adaptation, my goal was to capture the essence of Stoker’s novel while paying homage to the lore which has evolved over the 128 years since its first publication,” said Corbett.
The cast are all regular performers across Yorkshire. It stars Stuart Sellens as Dracula, Christopher C. Corbett as Van Helsing, Callum Mathers as Jonathan Harker, Alex Dickinson as Jack Seward, Samuel Emeny as Renfield, Jennifer Jones as Mina, Kathryn Lay as Mina, and Heather Stead as Camilla.
Director Lydia Baldwin said, “The combination of the late Victorian costuming and props with minimalistic set allows for the focus on the story of Harker, Seward, Mina and Lucy and the horror they face when their worst nightmare visits their peaceful lives.
“Dracula puts Yorkshire on the horror map and we are proud to add to the legacy of the story with our own take on a classic.”
Tickets start £15 and available here. Dracula is also on tour round East Yorkshire this Autumn – take a look to see where they’re headed.
