The Stage

Warren and Suchet lift lid on Dracula for BBC1

Published Thursday 10 August 2006 at 12:25 by Liz Thomas

Hustle star Marc Warren is to star in the title role of Stewart Harcourt’s new television adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula on BBC1.

David Suchet, will play vampire scholar and Dracula’s nemisis Van Helsing, in the revamped drama. The Corporation has also lined-up a host of the UK’s upcoming talent including The Line of Beauty’s Dan Stevens, Thunderbirds and Doctor Who actress Sophia Myles and Tom Burke, best know for The State of Play.

Timothy Spall’s son Rafe, who is fast making a name for himself with roles in hit urban film Kidulthood and BBC4’s The Chatterley Affair, also stars as solicitor Jonathan Harker and Stephanie Leonidas as his girlfriend Mina.

Julie Gardner, who is head of BBC Wales and executive producer on the show, said: “Stewart Harcourt’s adaptation is a visceral, sexy and bold retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic chiller which will blow the cobwebs off traditional period drama and we’ve brought together a cast of thrilling young talent to bring it to life.”

Filming on the production, which is a Granada Production for BBC1 and will be directed by Bill Eagles, begins later this month.

Fellow executive producer Granada’s Damien Timmer added: “Stewart Harcourt’s extraordinary script introduces some bold new elements and unexpected twists to the Dracula legend. It’s emotionally hugely powerful and genuinely terrifying.”