Charlie Stemp is an award-winning actor best known for his work on London’s West End. His previous work includes Half-A-Sixpence, Snow White, Mamma Mia and Robin Hood. He’s due to appear as vampire hunter Jonathan Harker at the Menier Chocolate Factory in their production of Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors. The new show ( which has transferred from Broadway to the West End) is a comedic take on Bram Stoker’s classic, which features a Gen Z pansexual Count Dracula in the midst of an existential crisis.
We caught up with Charlie to find out more about the show.
How would you pitch Dracula A Comedy of Terrors to a fan of the Twilight movies?
If you’re a fan of the Twilight movies, you’ll recognize how the intense, almost possessive love between the characters can feel a bit unhealthy at times. In Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, we explore that theme. We also delve into the idea of eternal love and what it really means to have love that lasts forever.
And how would you pitch it to an elderly relative who has heard of the Rocky Horror Picture show?
I would pitch this show to elderly relatives who are familiar with The Rocky Horror Picture Show by saying it’s very similar, but with a mix of Mel Brooks’ humor, a touch of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and, of course, plenty of comedy.
Why Dracula?
Well, I’ve always loved the original Dracula movie from when I was a kid. I used to watch it with my grandad, so this show feels like a blast from my childhood. It’s a chance to revisit that and create something similar but with the added magic of some incredible actors, especially James, who plays Dracula in the show. He’s fantastic and absolutely gorgeous.
Mel Brooks is apparently a source of inspiration for this show; what elements of Mel’s work inspired you, and which of his works is similar to this?
Mel Brooks is definitely an icon of mine, and Young Frankenstein stands out as a major inspiration. It’s such a brilliant movie and show. I’ve watched it at least five times in preparation for this musical—it’s been incredibly influential for me throughout the process.
If you could sit one of the characters from the books down and have a word with them, who would it be and what would you say?
I would definitely choose my own character, Jonathan Harker, and tell him to try and take a chill pill. He seems incredibly anxious and overwhelmed, so I’d want to sit him down and help him work through some of his stresses.
You play multiple roles in this; which is the most ridiculous and which is the hardest to do?
I play multiple roles in the show. The most ridiculous one is when I play three characters at once with two puppets. It’s definitely a tricky moment, but also hilarious—it’s one of the highlights of the show.
What works of horror fiction inspire you?
Well, to be honest, I think I’ve already mentioned it, but Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks is a huge inspiration. It’s such a fantastic blend of comedy and horror all at once.
How did you prepare for this production?
I don’t do much preparation beforehand, apart from maybe watching some comedy shows. I prefer to get in the room and figure things out as I go along
If I’ve never been to The Menier Chocolate Factory, what should I expect from the venue?
I would describe this venue as very small, very intimate, and absolutely fantastic.
Is there merch?
I’m not sure if there’s merch, unfortunately. You’ll have to ask them, as I haven’t been there yet. But if there is, I’m definitely hoping for Dracula fangs, capes, and all the classic bits!
And if you could take one artwork/piece of media/ thing and ensure that it would survive for thousands of years, what would it be?
If I could take one piece of artwork or media and ensure it would survive for thousands of years, I’d definitely choose my suit from the show. It’s absolutely fantastic, and I think it deserves to last through the ages!
Simpsons or Futurama?
Simpsons, no question.
Werewolves or Wizards?
Definitely wizards. I’m just so curious, you’d have to be bonkers to have that much power and still be a nice person!
Truth or Beauty?
I’m definitely going to go with truth. Because there’s beauty in the truth.
Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until May 3rd 2025. Book tickets here.
