Packing Shed Theatre present Dracula Begins, a play exploring the story behind Bram Stoker’s inspiration for one of literature’s best-known Gothic novels.

Stoker arrives in Whitby following a difficult period working with celebrated Victorian actor Sir Henry Irving. As he begins gathering local myths and legends for a possible literary work, an encounter with Lucy changes the course of his story.

Combining love, tragedy and revenge, Dracula Begins imagines the experiences that helped shape Stoker’s creation of Dracula.

Performances take place in the Mercury Studio from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September 2026 at 8pm.

The running time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes including an interval. Age guidance is 14+.