Just quickly, who am I speaking with?
Philippa Harrison.
What role do you play at Dracula’s?
Aorta.
What’s your personal relationship with the place?
I have worked for Newman Entertainment since 2006. I started as an understudy for the production show and then earned my stripes to become a full-time cast member in 2008.
Tell us about this new show, Retro Vampt.
It’s time to whip out the handlebar moustaches, flares and Afros to groove on back to the 1970s. Retro Vampt celebrates everything about the decade of disco and funk.
What are some of the defining features of this show?
Big hair, big fabric prints and big platform shoes. Live music is a huge feature of Retro Vampt; I think we’re at 10 different instruments and still counting. The show also features aerial acts, an awesome ‘70s song list and everyone’s favourite: the Black Art Puppets.
How’ve rehearsals been going?
Rehearsals have been great; there’s so much new material for us to sink our fangs into and everyone always pulls together a fantastic show in such a tight schedule.
How do you prepare for a show?
First things first, I make sure there’s enough food in the pantry to last four weeks. I do like to wait until our read-through on day one and then submerge myself in scripts, song lyrics and choreography for the rehearsal period.
Have you got a favourite or outstanding moment from Dracula’s history you’d like to share with us?
In 2009 we had a number of patrons who had been directly affected by the Black Saturday bush fires. These people were so complimentary when we spoke with them after the shows and it made me realise how important a venue like Dracula’s is for the local and extended community. A night of escapism at its best.
How do you think it fits into Melbourne’s live entertainment landscape? How is it special?
I think Dracula’s is a unique venue within Melbourne’s fantastic entertainment industry. As a city we have hundreds of live music spots, cabaret shows and hospitality experiences but Dracula’s combines all aspects of entertainment and offers a night that no other theatrical setting can. Each production that Dracula’s offers appeals to a diverse cross-section of society, there’s something for everyone.
Tell us about Dracula’s history with celebrating Halloween. What goes down?
Every night is Halloween at Dracula’s. Retro Vampt opens on Friday October 31 this year so the venue will be having a groovy ‘70s fang-fest.
It seems to be a multi-faceted beast. What’s your favourite thing about Dracula’s?
I enjoy live performance; it’s unpredictable and audiences are completely different night to night.
For someone who’s never experienced a cabaret/theatre restaurant, what should I expect from a night at Dracula’s? Why should I go?
Expect a sensory experience from the moment you enter: where else can you find a Ghost Train on the second floor of a building? The unique gothic theme runs through the venue, the menu is contemporary and the show is spectacular.
Is there anything in particular we should know that we haven’t touched on? Anything you really want to people to know about Dracula’s?
I think you need to see it to believe it. The show has amazing technological aspects that you wouldn’t expect to see in such an intimate venue, the costumes are to die for and we now have our own custom-brewed beer, O Negative, created by Kooinda Boutique Brewery.
Retro Vampt will hit the stage at Dracula’s this Friday October 31, 100 Victoria St Carlton. See draculas.com.au for more info.
