The Highgate Vampire: A Hilarious Hunt Rooted in Real Obsession
The chilling tale of the Highgate Vampire, a purported creature haunting a North London cemetery in the 1970s, has long captivated the public inventiveness. It even inspired a Hammer Horror film,Dracula AD 1972. But the story behind the story is arguably just as fascinating – and now, it’s been brought to life on stage with a delightfully quirky comedic twist.
This isn’t your typical gothic horror production. Instead, The Highgate Vampire at Omnibus Theater (and soon, The Cockpit) offers a meta-theatrical experience, playfully dissecting the real-life rivalry that fueled the vampire hunt.
A Real-Life Rivalry Fuels the Play
The Highgate Vampire case attracted numerous paranormal investigators, but two figures quickly rose to prominence: David Farrant and Sean Manchester. Rather than collaborating, however, they engaged in a fierce competition to be the one to vanquish the undead. Each man actively undermined the other’s efforts, turning a supernatural investigation into a battle of egos.
This dynamic forms the core of the play, presented as a lecture gone delightfully awry. You’ll witness Patrick Sheffield and Daniel Farringdon, portrayed by Alexander Knott and James Demain respectively, attempting to deliver their accounts of the events.
* Sheffield is depicted as a bishop, steeped in religious authority.
* Farringdon is a more unassuming figure – a tobacconist moonlighting as a vampire hunter.
A Comedic Lecture with a Supernatural Edge
Written by Demain and Knott themselves, the hour-long show is a whirlwind of shifting narratives. The two men constantly interrupt each other, debate details, and even enlist the help (and maraca-shaking enthusiasm) of their stage technician, Audrey (Zöe grain). Samuel Heron’s sound design and musical composition further enhance the atmosphere, punctuating key moments with eerie effects.
The performance cleverly utilizes transformations, with the actors embodying various eyewitnesses. Expect witty asides, including a humorous reference to Karl Marx, whose final resting place is within Highgate Cemetery. While the play leans heavily into comedy, it isn’t afraid to touch on genuinely unsettling moments.
For instance,the account of a teenage girl encountering a red-eyed “entity” evokes a palpable sense of dread. However, you might find yourself wishing for more of these chilling interludes to balance the breezy humor.
Why You should See It
The Highgate Vampire is a charming and surprisingly sweet piece of meta-theatre. It’s a fast-paced sketch that offers a unique perspective on a well-known paranormal mystery. It’s an amusing alternative to traditional Christmas ghost stories, especially given its stranger-than-fiction origins.
Consider this: could the play be even more immersive as a promenade performance, staged within the confines of Highgate Cemetery itself? The potential for a truly chilling and unforgettable experience is certainly there.
where to See It:
* Omnibus Theatre, London – until December 30
* The Cockpit, London – January 28 to February 1
