FIRST LOOK AT NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE REP COMPANY'S 'DRACULA'

Production images have been released for Dracula, a world premiere National Youth Theatre production performed by the NYT REP Company. The production officially opened last night supported by Hammer Films, part of John Gore Studios, and attended by NYT’s Royal Patron His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Dracula runs until 13 March.

Tatty Hennessy, writer of the UK Theatre Award-winning and Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of Animal Farm, retells the classic horror story in a world premiere directed by Atri Banerjee, UK Theatre Award Best Director Nominee, and starring Britain’s best young acting talent.

Dracula begins the NYT REP’s ‘Love Bites’ season, which continues with a production of Let the Right One In, NYT alum Jack Thorne’s (Adolescence) stage adaptation of the hit Swedish novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It will be performed at Underbelly Boulevard Soho from 5 - 23 May 2026, directed by Olivier Award winner James Dacre.

Graduates of the NYT REP Company include BAFTA nominee and Gangs of London star Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Scottish BAFTA winner and The Ridge star Lauren Lyle, and Ian Charleson Award-winner Francesca Amewudah Rivers.

The 2025/6 NYT REP company consists of Olamide Ajisafe, Joshua Aketse-Entsie, Jo Bentley, Nicholas Bhar, Rhia Burston, Maya Coates, Louise Coggrave, Jack David Collard, Mascuud Dahir, Nicky Dune, Rachael Dowsett, Sumah Ebele, Sasha Jagsi, Rhys Quilley, Devonté Sackitey, Luka Wellman, Amy Young and Christopher Yi.

Hammer Films, part of John Gore Studios, is supporting this world premiere production of Dracula and the Love Bites season. Hammer is an iconic British production company renowned for being a trailblazer in the Gothic Horror genre. In August 2023 Hammer was acquired by renowned theatre producer John Gore. Revitalised and reinvigorated, Hammer blends the nostalgic charm of its classic films with modern cinematic style and innovation. Preserving and respecting both its heritage and archive, Hammer is also actively planning an ongoing slate of new productions.

John Gore, Chair & CEO of Hammer Films, says “From Hammer’s Dracula to the stages of today, great stories live on when they are reimagined by new voices. To keep a legacy alive, you must invest in the next generation.”