The horror classic Dracula is coming to the stage at the Palace Theatre in London, Ont., later this month — and in an effort to promote the play and the need for blood donors, the cast gave blood.
The cast and crew from the London Community Players and Odesa Company visited Canadian Blood Services donor centre on Friday.
“It seems like a natural fit to have the production of Dracula donate blood,” said Scott Smalley, the co-director of the production. “Perhaps it’s not a natural fit because Dracula usually extracts the blood for himself, but today we’re here to give to others.”
Ben Kennes, who is playing the role of the Count in the film, also rolled up his sleeve at the clinic.
“This is quite the interesting situation Dracula’s in, giving blood instead of taking it, but it’s always for a good cause,” he said.
Featured VideoActors Ben Kennes and Amy Dickson perform a scene from Dracula at the Canada Blood Service donor centre on Oct. 13, 2023. Kennes, who is playing Dracula in the production, also gave blood.
Written in 1924, this will be the first stage production of Dracula in London since the Grand Theatre run it nearly 30 years ago.
Along with the technical challenges ahead of them, the production team is leaning into the original themes of horror.
“With our production, we’re gonna try to make it spookier and darker. Even if it’s a story that everybody knows, we still want to give people those jump scares and get them into the Halloween spirit,” Kennes said.
Dracula is playing at the Palace Theatre from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.
Blood donations needed
The cast’s visit to the blood donor clinic on Wharncliffe Road also highlighted the need for blood donations in the London area.
Nearly 800 donors are needed to keep inventory levels topped up in the city, according to Canadian Blood Services.
“We need blood,” said Elaine Keller, the community development manager for Canadian Blood Services. “There are so many people across the country and we can’t get that blood without donors. It’s a critical part of everyday medical care and there’s no substitute.”
To book an appointment to give, visit the blood services website.
