One of literature’s most iconic characters, Dracula was created by Bram Stoker in 1897 and more than 125 years later remains a figure known and still feared worldwide.
With over a thousand adaptations of the character since the novel’s release, the hypnotic hold of the vampire remains as strong as ever, and Derby’s four-day Dracula Returns conference will mark the city’s major role in the Count’s journey to legendary status.
On 15 May, 1924, Dracula enjoyed its stage premiere at Derby’s Grand Theatre, led by director Hamilton Deane with the Count depicted by Edmund Blake. This was a different vampire from Stoker’s monstrous creation - smart, caped, well-spoken and sophisticated. The version of Dracula we love and know best today was born in Derby, and still lives-on in 2025.
The conference is set to run from 15 to18 May at the Museum of Making and partner venues, consisting of keynote speakers, talks and presentations. Alongside that will be a lively thread of evening programming, featuring: a Derby Dracula Day celebration on 15 May; a ‘Poetry Doesn’t Suck’ vampire poetry slam on the 16 May; and the Monster Mash music night on the 17 May. The Dracula Returns Conference offers four days of events for the full conference price of £101.
Involving experts and enthusiasts who will come from all corners of the globe to speak about Dracula, Derby and vampires, there will also be multi-media presentations, performances and film screenings - alongside entertaining activities for allcomers to enjoy.
The conference is aimed squarely at anyone wanting to get their teeth into Dracula’s incredible journey: from the pages of the novel; to the stage, in Derby; and to the big screen worldwide. And it will also be attended by the Great grandson of Edmund Blake, John Eastwood, who will be appearing as the iconic Dracula, 101 years after his great grandfather originated the role.
Meanwhile, an exhibition entitled Dracula Returns to Derby - 101 years and Counting will open at Pickford’s House in Derby. It will offer visitors to Derby’s a chance to discover its close links with the world’s most famous vampire, which include Deane’s original adaptation, and Bela Lugosi’s performance at Derby Hippodrome. The exhibition includes objects on loan from Dacre Stoker, The Dracula Society and The Hammer Script Archive spanning 100 years of Dracula in Derby, a must see for fans of the macabre and Vampire enthusiasts.
Admission is free, and the exhibition will run for 12 months.