Varney the Vampire is a New Model Theatre show by Robert Poulter, that has taken two incidents from the extremely long Penny Dreadful novel of 1837.
Published in monthly instalments, with often different authors; fact checking was not a strong point then, and there are at least 4 different versions of how Varney became a Vampire. Unlike most Vampires, Varney can also return to life by the power of moonlight.
To the generation raised on TV in the 1960’s and 70’s, the name Varney had very comic memories, as the actor Reg Varney was the star of the sitcom: On The Buses. However to later generations this name has no comic overtones, and Sir Francis Varney is in fact a rather distinguished and noble creature. The second incident in this show attempts to recreate in cardboard the comings and goings of a Whitehall Farce (lots of doors opening & shutting). The show last’s 45 minutes, followed by an artist talk and Q and A with Robert.
This event is part of Dracula Returns to Derby, an AHRC-funded research project led by the University of Derby in partnership with Derby Museums, Derby Theatre, Bournemouth University and Sheffield Hallam University. A series of public workshops and events connect the city with the world’s most famous vampire.
