Interview with Dianne Pilkington, Dracula A Comedy of Terrors

Next month the UK premiere of Gordan Greenberg and Steve Rosen’s Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors kicks off at the Menier Chocolate Factory. The 90-minute production gives Bram Stoker’s horror classic a comic makeover in a lightning-fast gender-bending reimagining. A cast of five will take to its helm, including Dianne Pilkington. We caught up with her to find out more!

1. You’ve had an incredible career so far, working on shows like The Red Shoes, The Wizard of Oz, and Wicked. What have been some of the standout highlights for you from those experiences?

I’ve been so lucky- I’ve had the opportunity to work on some really varied plays and musicals. Wicked changed my life in a lot of ways, it was a huge career high and a wonderfully complex character. The Wizard of Oz is my childhood, and to perform the Wicked Witch at the Palladium, an iconic role in such an iconic building, was very special. The Red Shoes fulfilled a dream to do a play at the RSC, and was one of the most creatively fulfilling moments in my career. 

2. Have any of the characters you’ve played in previous productions influenced how you approached creating Dr. Westfeldt or the other characters you play in A Comedy of Terrors?

Absolutely none! This is a real departure for me. Often I play very glam, feminine roles. Even the Wicked Witch was a rethink of the traditional look… with this one, I might be drawing on people I’ve met, old films I’ve seen. But it’s nothing like anything I’ve done before!

3. As a brand-new production, A Comedy of Terrors must be quite exciting to be part of. Can you tell our readers a bit about the show and what they can expect?

It’s a ride! It’s a lot of fun but as with all comedy, it’s about finding the serious stakes (no pun intended) and in this case lovingly leaning into the genre, horror, melodrama, romance.. it’s all there. It’s a great night out. And we play around with the story everyone knows, while paying homage to the roots of it.

4. What was it about A Comedy of Terrors that drew you to the production and made you want to be involved?

The opportunity to play 3 men could not be passed up. And the script made me laugh out loud immediately on first reading. Plus I’ve always wanted to work at the Menier, and it’s a great team.

5. You play Dr. Westfeldt as well as several other characters in the show. What are some of the challenges of juggling multiple roles, and how do you navigate those transitions?

Oh my goodness- it’s a lot of physicality and playing with voices- whilst hanging on to what each character needs to achieve. I’ve done multi-role jobs before, but never had to change mid word! That’s fun.. I’m aching all over from changing postures constantly!

6. While A Comedy of Terrors is billed as a comedy, are there deeper themes or conversations that emerge from the narrative? Could you share a bit about those?

We are telling the story of Dracula. I’ve always found a deep sadness in vampire lore, a sense of always wanting what you don’t have, more time, more human connection, more excitement.. we are still exploring that here. Playing about with gender in the casting allows for certain moments where we examine attitudes towards both men and women, particularly in the late 1800s.

7. You’re joined by a fantastic cast for this production. How has working with such a talented group of people contributed to the development of the piece?

I can’t believe my luck! There is such a sense of play and creative abandon in the room. I’m trying to keep up physically with the likes of Charlie Stemp which may be a mistake for my knees.. everyone is bringing such joy. I sit staring open mouthed when I’m not on stage because they are all so talented.

8. As a premiere of a brand-new play, this production likely comes with unique challenges. Why do you think it’s important for audiences to support new work like this?

I love new work. This piece has a huge buzz from its previous incarnations but yes, it’s new to a UK audience and a lot of thought has been put into how it works in the city that it is actually set! It’s so important to get behind new work, or the world stands still!

9. Looking ahead, what do you hope for the future of A Comedy of Terrors after its run at the Menier Chocolate Factory?

I hope this piece sinks its fangs into every corner of the globe!

10. Finally, what makes A Comedy of Terrors a must-see, and why should people come and experience it?

It’s funny, really funny. And unexpected. And sexy. And it’s 90 mins straight through so you can eat dinner after..

Catch Dianne Pilkington in Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 8 March - 3 May 2025.