As we walked up the driveway of Craigdarroch Castle we heard haunting noises and voices surrounding the fortress. Entering into the castle, we cleaned our shoes, hung our jackets, and were escorted by a distressed Dr. John Seward to the second floor with the rest of the interactive audience waiting for further instruction. It was the beginning of the must-see thrill-ride known as Dracula: The Blood of Life.
Seward advised us that we must not wander off. We were to stay close to each other and be aware of what lay ahead, knowing that “God takes care of those who take care of themselves.”
Seward then led the audience to the fourth floor, where we were introduced to his mentor, Dr. Abraham Van Helsing. Van Helsing and Seward read protective prayers for our safety, then told us of the paranormal experiences that had occurred between them and Count Dracula eight years prior in the very castle we were standing in.
We were introduced to many characters involved in their encounters, including Seward’s late fiance Lucy Westenra; Count Dracula’s solicitor, Jonathan Harker; Harker’s fiance, Mina Murray; a maniac named R.M. Renfield (who was Seward’s patient at the asylum); and, of course, Count Dracula himself.
Throughout the evening we were led around the castle by Seward and Van Helsing to watch the story as it unfolded. From powerful love stories, to tragic deaths, to vampire transformations, to exorcisms, this performance was action-packed and filled with excitement.
Hearts raced as Dracula appeared an in untimely fashion and spooky encounters startled the audience, leaving them anticipating the night’s upcoming frightening moments.
The rich history of the ancient story of Bram Stoker’s Dracula kept us intrigued throughout the performance, while the guidance and narration of Seward and Van Helsing held the audience enthralled.
Dracula: The Blood of Liferuns until October 31 at Craigdarroch Castle.
See thecastle.ca for info.