🧢 Dracula Returns to Derby. Again.
One of UK 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 eared 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. The conference is set to run from 15 to18 May, with a key part of it at the Museum of Making consisting of keynote speakers, talks and presentations. Alongside that will be a lively thread of evening programming, featuring: an opening drinks reception 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. In 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 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. The full conference price is £101.
🧢 Whatever happened to Phoebe Salt?
A world premiere production of Arthur Berry’s play Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt? is scheduled to run at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme from 31 May to 21 June. It’s the 100 anniversary of Potteries’ poet, author, artist and playwright Berry in 2025. A master of capturing the soul of working-class life, Berry’s play brings to life the grit and resilience of the people of The Potteries. Phoebe Salt spends her days working in the meat market, yearning for glamour and adventure. Ticket prices start from £15.
🧢 This week’s ‘Top Pick’ @WeightmanPR: Sedan Medieval Festival
There’s a chance, every year, to travel back in time in the heart of one of Europe’s greatest fortified castle, which was voted France’s “Most Loved Historic Monument” in 2023. Sedan Fort will once again host the annual Sedan Medieval Festival on 17 and 18 May - featuring camps, shows, workshops, children’s play areas, re-enactments of daily life and a medieval market with over one hundred stalls. The castle and its surroundings will be brought to life by scores of travelling companies - from musicians and street theatre, to reenactors - all of whom will take part in the grand procession on the Saturday evening, followed by a show featuring 400 other costumed participants. Sedan Fort’s other great claim to fame is a modern day 4-star hotel, set within its structure.
🧢 Acid house that’s been 35 years in the making…
Shelley's Laserdome was a night club in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. It was at the heart of the house and rave scene in the early 1990s, helping to launch the career of DJ Sasha and featuring regular appearances from British house and techno club radio DJ and record producer, Carl Cox. It was eventually shut down by the police…but it remains a big part of the city's history in the house, rave and acid music scene. Now, Shelley’s Laserdome 2025 is set to return for a 35 Year Reunion on 8 November of this year – at Keele University (8pm to 4am). It is promising a “huge production and a huge lineup”. Tickets are priced at £19.50.