Review: Count Dykula, Soho Theatre

Count Dykula celebrates the beauty of individuality through the story of a butch loner (Count Dykula) who fully embraces her existence in a gothic castle. Dykula enjoys her life, preying on unsuspecting humans who wander the forest. However, in her quest for greater meaning, she stumbles upon Scare University, which turns her life — and her definition of what it means to be a monster — upside down. 

From the moment the curtain rises, the theatre is alive with laughter. The production kicks off with the unforgettable line, “Count Dykula is at best a mouthful, and at worst a slur.” This sets the tone for a show that isn’t afraid to tread the line between humour and heartfelt storytelling. 

I walked into the performance completely blind, unaware that there were only three actors in the entire production. Their ability to magically switch roles, costumes, and characters is both impressive and downright entertaining. The fast-paced nature of the show keeps the audience engaged, with musical numbers that range from belt-it-out showstoppers to short comedic interludes that have everyone in stitches. In between scenes, school tannoy announcements provide a delightful comedic touch, keeping the humour flowing. 

Rosanna Suppa, who plays the Count, commands the stage with an incredible presence, effortlessly transitioning from a butch vampire lesbian to an old, haggard witch in mere seconds. I must also highlight Meg Narongchai, who stands out as the sole musician throughout the entire performance. Her talent on various instruments truly helps unify the play, and she even becomes an integral part of the set by hilariously interacting within the scenes.

The audience participation makes the performance engrossing and is a very nice touch. Characters dash up the stairs next to the crowd, engage in playful banter, and even ask the spectators questions. In the performance I watched, we were encouraged to interact with the Head of Administration (a two-headed dragon) about enrolling in Scare University. The dynamic duo of Suppa and Taylor delivered an outstanding double act, predicting each other’s lines and making the experience feel incredibly personal and interactive. It was like watching a comedy duo that had been rehearsing for decades — just without the typical punchlines!

One of the outstanding moments arrives during the climactic final scene, where Count Dykula and the principal engage in a dramatic showdown amidst a shower of red confetti that symbolises blood. It is a show-stopping finale that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the performance. After all, nothing says “theatrical brilliance” quite like a fight scene that sparkles!

The staging is minimalist, with a limited backdrop, but they compensate for it with an abundance of props, including a ghost puppet that frequently steals the show! The stage in this theatre is relatively small, yet this production would easily thrive on a larger platform.

While Count Dykula is a riot of laughter and creativity, it may not resonate with everyone. Some might find its humour too ‘out there’ or on the nose, but I found it thoroughly enjoyable. The energy in the theatre was palpable, with every audience member fully immersed in the experience, laughing and cheering at every twist and turn of the storyline.

This is a exceptional show that champions the beauty of being different. It combines humour, heart, and a touch of the absurd to create a memorable experience. So, whether you’re a vampire aficionado or just looking for a good laugh, it is worth checking out. Just remember, when it comes to Count Dykula, the only thing scarier than her undead existence is how quickly you’ll fall in love with her story.

Written and Performed by: Eleanor Colville, Rosanna Suppa, Robbie Taylor Hunt
Music played by: Meg Narongchai
Directed by: Robbie Taylor Hunt
Set and Costume Design by: Caitlin Mawhinney
Lighting Design by: Catja Hamilton
Sound Design by: Anna Short
Orchestration and Musical Direction by: Erin Rydal, Simon McKenzie
Choreographed by: Myron Birch

Count Dykula is running at Soho Theatre until Saturday 1st March.