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Dracula [Adapted as a Playscript]
This playscript, based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel, has been written especially for schools. The sinister figure of Dracula hangs over the characters who once defeated him – who will win second time around? Resources supporting the play provide information, illustrations and activities.
A man stumbles across the secret of Dracula and asks for his friends’ help to defeat his evil powers – but not before he has killed… Year later, the friends gather to remember what happened – could history be repeating itself? This imaginative and dark dramatisation of Bram Stoker’s novel has been specially written for schools.
The playscript is accompanied by resources covering the symbolism of the story, the life and times of Bram Stoker, and the theme of death. There are also numerous written, spoken and drama activities.
A man stumbles across the secret of Dracula and asks for his friends’ help to defeat his evil powers – but not before he has killed… Year later, the friends gather to remember what happened – could history be repeating itself? This imaginative and dark dramatisation of Bram Stoker’s novel has been specially written for schools.
The playscript is accompanied by resources covering the symbolism of the story, the life and times of Bram Stoker, and the theme of death. There are also numerous written, spoken and drama activities.
Paperback
Published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Jan Needle
72 books32 followersJan Needle has written more than forty books, including novels for adults and children and literary criticism. He also writes plays for stage, TV and radio, including serials and series like Grange Hill, The Bill and Brookside. His first novel, Wild Wood, is a retelling of The Wind in the Willows with Toad, Rat, Mole and Co as the ‘villains’ - a sort of undeserving rural squirearchy – and the stoats and weasels as heroes. A new version was brought out recently by Golden Duck, with the original wonderful illustrations by the late Willie Rushton.
Although he is currently working on a film of perhaps his most celebrated children’s book, My Mate Shofiq, Jan has recently been concentrating on historical novels about his first and most enduring love, the sea, and a series of extremely gritty thrillers. His aim has always been to transcend standard genre writing, which has sometimes brought him disapproval. The ‘hero’ of his first naval fiction, A Fine Boy for Killing, is a borderline sadist, and life on the frigate Welfare undermines almost every heroic myth popularized by earlier writers. Loved or hated, his novels refuse to be ignored.
His thrillers are also firmly in the ‘noir’ spectrum. The most recent is The Bonus Boys, which features a hard-as-nails investigator called Andrew Forbes and his Scottish lover Rosanna ‘the Mouse’ Nixon, who first appeared in Kicking Off, a chilling warning about the fissile state of Britain’s crumbling prisons. More are in the pipeline, as are additions to a series of novellas about crime, the 18th century navy, and the secret world of spies and spying. Even the possibility that Napoleon escaped from his exile on St Helena is examined. Like many ‘mere conspiracy theories’ it uncovers some extraordinary possibilities.
Jan also attempts, in conjunction with Walker Books, to widen the readership for certain classic novels. They include so far Moby Dick, Dracula, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Woman in White, all aimed at a young adult audience . In his spare time, he sails boats and plays a variety of musical instruments.
Although he is currently working on a film of perhaps his most celebrated children’s book, My Mate Shofiq, Jan has recently been concentrating on historical novels about his first and most enduring love, the sea, and a series of extremely gritty thrillers. His aim has always been to transcend standard genre writing, which has sometimes brought him disapproval. The ‘hero’ of his first naval fiction, A Fine Boy for Killing, is a borderline sadist, and life on the frigate Welfare undermines almost every heroic myth popularized by earlier writers. Loved or hated, his novels refuse to be ignored.
His thrillers are also firmly in the ‘noir’ spectrum. The most recent is The Bonus Boys, which features a hard-as-nails investigator called Andrew Forbes and his Scottish lover Rosanna ‘the Mouse’ Nixon, who first appeared in Kicking Off, a chilling warning about the fissile state of Britain’s crumbling prisons. More are in the pipeline, as are additions to a series of novellas about crime, the 18th century navy, and the secret world of spies and spying. Even the possibility that Napoleon escaped from his exile on St Helena is examined. Like many ‘mere conspiracy theories’ it uncovers some extraordinary possibilities.
Jan also attempts, in conjunction with Walker Books, to widen the readership for certain classic novels. They include so far Moby Dick, Dracula, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Woman in White, all aimed at a young adult audience . In his spare time, he sails boats and plays a variety of musical instruments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 23, 2013
I will do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks
Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is a novel about the infamous original vampire himself: Dracula. Dracula wants to move away from his castle in Transylvania to England. Helping him do this is Jonathan Harker. But unknown to Harker is the fact that Dracula is not what he seems, and Harker quickly discovers the horrors that lie within Castle Dracula. Told through a series of letters, diaries, and journals, "Dracula" tells the story of a group of protagonists who unite to defeat this great evil.
I decided to re-read this book since a new TV series is coming on this fall starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Dracula. I'm glad I did, because I forgot all the great stuff that happens in this book. When it comes to the horror genre, "Dracula" has got to be at the top of the list. It's what I'd call conventional horror---horror that's subtle and it's not about shock value or gore. And the great thing about "Dracula" is that's it's not just a horror novel, but a commentary on the Victorian period. Things like Victorian conventions, the role of women, colonialism, and even sexual awakening are heavily present throughout this book.
I think the book has a really great pace. It does occasionally have some slower moments and you do find yourself zoning out a bit. But I think the pace is just right and the amount of buildup is excellent between each scene or moment. Jonathan Harker's entrance into the story is one of the best openings to a novel. I can imagine Victorian readers starting this book and having no idea what's to come. As a modern reader it's a little unfair because everyone knows who Dracula is already, whether or not you've read the book. The novel quickly moves into the whole Lucy story and her ordeal. Every bit of that is so intense. The novel then moves onto the protagonists making their plans to destroy Dracula. I think the only thing about this book I disliked was how quickly the ending was wrapped up. The pacing is too quick here. All the protagonists have met up at Dracula's coffin and you really don't have any room to breathe during this scene. And then it's all over.
What I found interesting is that when I first read the book, I seriously thought Jonathan Harker was the main character. But really, he's not. I don't think you can say that there is a main character in this book. I think every character has just about the same page time. After Jonathan's initial narrative is over, you really don't see him much anymore, and he only narrates a little bit more at the end. After Jonathan, the narrative shifts more to Jack Seward, Abraham Van Helsing, and Mina Harker's points of views. Heck, the title character is hardly even present in this book!
Overall, "Dracula" is certainly within my top 10 favorite classics. Has a great pacing, likeable characters, and a really great plot.
Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is a novel about the infamous original vampire himself: Dracula. Dracula wants to move away from his castle in Transylvania to England. Helping him do this is Jonathan Harker. But unknown to Harker is the fact that Dracula is not what he seems, and Harker quickly discovers the horrors that lie within Castle Dracula. Told through a series of letters, diaries, and journals, "Dracula" tells the story of a group of protagonists who unite to defeat this great evil.
I decided to re-read this book since a new TV series is coming on this fall starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Dracula. I'm glad I did, because I forgot all the great stuff that happens in this book. When it comes to the horror genre, "Dracula" has got to be at the top of the list. It's what I'd call conventional horror---horror that's subtle and it's not about shock value or gore. And the great thing about "Dracula" is that's it's not just a horror novel, but a commentary on the Victorian period. Things like Victorian conventions, the role of women, colonialism, and even sexual awakening are heavily present throughout this book.
I think the book has a really great pace. It does occasionally have some slower moments and you do find yourself zoning out a bit. But I think the pace is just right and the amount of buildup is excellent between each scene or moment. Jonathan Harker's entrance into the story is one of the best openings to a novel. I can imagine Victorian readers starting this book and having no idea what's to come. As a modern reader it's a little unfair because everyone knows who Dracula is already, whether or not you've read the book. The novel quickly moves into the whole Lucy story and her ordeal. Every bit of that is so intense. The novel then moves onto the protagonists making their plans to destroy Dracula. I think the only thing about this book I disliked was how quickly the ending was wrapped up. The pacing is too quick here. All the protagonists have met up at Dracula's coffin and you really don't have any room to breathe during this scene. And then it's all over.
What I found interesting is that when I first read the book, I seriously thought Jonathan Harker was the main character. But really, he's not. I don't think you can say that there is a main character in this book. I think every character has just about the same page time. After Jonathan's initial narrative is over, you really don't see him much anymore, and he only narrates a little bit more at the end. After Jonathan, the narrative shifts more to Jack Seward, Abraham Van Helsing, and Mina Harker's points of views. Heck, the title character is hardly even present in this book!
Overall, "Dracula" is certainly within my top 10 favorite classics. Has a great pacing, likeable characters, and a really great plot.
September 25, 2007
Warning! I love Dracula by Bram Stoker, but this book Bram Stoker's Dracula, published in 2004 by Candlewick Press, adapted and abridged by editor Jan Needle, is NOT that book. This edition is a shortened version, with "modernized" language, that attempts to be more accessible for teens.
Large chunks of description have been replaced by editorials on how scary the next section is going to be, and how the characters are feeling. I was torn out the narrative flow each time I ran into one of these passages, and really resented being told what was going on, instead of being allowed to see for myself.
So, beware this edition, with it's beautiful red-edged pages, and attractive endpapers. It is a pale shadow of the original. Beware!
Large chunks of description have been replaced by editorials on how scary the next section is going to be, and how the characters are feeling. I was torn out the narrative flow each time I ran into one of these passages, and really resented being told what was going on, instead of being allowed to see for myself.
So, beware this edition, with it's beautiful red-edged pages, and attractive endpapers. It is a pale shadow of the original. Beware!
February 26, 2016
Perfectly terrifying and wonderfully disturbing, there is no wonder why this has remained a classic. It meshes together all the horror and and superstitions that have been passed down for centuries to create the terrifying yet seductive creatures that we know was vampires today.
Sticking with only a handful of characters, Stoker provides a us with emotions that everyone can relate to. The feeling of protectiveness of a loved one, the utter despair of watching someone whom you love waste away from a disease that you can do nothing for. The resolve that you will fight to the bitter end to stop the evil that lurks in the world. All noble feeling, and all captured in this classic tale.
Sticking with only a handful of characters, Stoker provides a us with emotions that everyone can relate to. The feeling of protectiveness of a loved one, the utter despair of watching someone whom you love waste away from a disease that you can do nothing for. The resolve that you will fight to the bitter end to stop the evil that lurks in the world. All noble feeling, and all captured in this classic tale.
October 24, 2025
I honestly loved this as an introduction to Dracula, I have decided that I want to attempt the original!
September 12, 2007
I like a scary book to be scary, and this book accomplishes that. The story is told in the form of letters in correspondence, which gives it an interesting twist and makes it possible to see the story through the eyes of several different characters. A great book to read around Halloween.
September 22, 2011
Introduction: I have never read any classic, and was obliged to do so when the reading group I recently joined suggested that we read and discuss Dracula (as our Halloween gig ;p). I would really prefer the original version of Dracula by Bram Stocker, but its unavailable for me at the moment. So I decided to read the one edited by Jan Needle.
Product Description: The story of the notorious vampire Count Dracula, lord of the "un-dead", who rises from his coffin at night to suck the blood of the living is, undoubtedly, the stuff of nightmares. A lunatic asylum, a bleak Transylvanian castle, an ancient cemetery...these are the dark backgrounds to the even darker deeds portrayed in this most bloodcurdling of tales.
My Opinion: Although I didn't have the chance to read this book before a week ago, I certainly know the story as this has been made to a movie or a TV show or even became as a hand-down story from my parents or relatives. Dracula is indeed one of the most famous horror novel ever written. Set in the 19th Century Victorianism, it depicts how at that time men (without thinking twice) weep and risk their lives protecting the virtue of a lady they highly respect and adore. Although it was sad how they failed the battle against Dracula when Lucy died and became one of the "un-dead", atleast it showed their brotherhood and pure spirits in their struggle to rid Mina of the same fate. It wasn't really clear whose the protagonist in the story since Jonathan, Van Helsing and Dr. Seward seems to equally grace the story, each having their own remarkable identities. But I guess this made the story even more interesting as you can sympathize not only with one character but everyone in the story. I love Mina's character particularly her being a determined and brave lady, her being knowledgeable about things that surprises the men, and her love for her husband. This book is easy to read (since it has already been translated to suit the younger generations) despite the heavy setting, and the illustrations made a clear shot to my imagination. The headings in red, white pages with ‘blood-soaked’ borders and detailed pencil drawings are very dramatic and complements the story. Yet another book that kept me glued to my seat (well, bed literally).
Product Description: The story of the notorious vampire Count Dracula, lord of the "un-dead", who rises from his coffin at night to suck the blood of the living is, undoubtedly, the stuff of nightmares. A lunatic asylum, a bleak Transylvanian castle, an ancient cemetery...these are the dark backgrounds to the even darker deeds portrayed in this most bloodcurdling of tales.
My Opinion: Although I didn't have the chance to read this book before a week ago, I certainly know the story as this has been made to a movie or a TV show or even became as a hand-down story from my parents or relatives. Dracula is indeed one of the most famous horror novel ever written. Set in the 19th Century Victorianism, it depicts how at that time men (without thinking twice) weep and risk their lives protecting the virtue of a lady they highly respect and adore. Although it was sad how they failed the battle against Dracula when Lucy died and became one of the "un-dead", atleast it showed their brotherhood and pure spirits in their struggle to rid Mina of the same fate. It wasn't really clear whose the protagonist in the story since Jonathan, Van Helsing and Dr. Seward seems to equally grace the story, each having their own remarkable identities. But I guess this made the story even more interesting as you can sympathize not only with one character but everyone in the story. I love Mina's character particularly her being a determined and brave lady, her being knowledgeable about things that surprises the men, and her love for her husband. This book is easy to read (since it has already been translated to suit the younger generations) despite the heavy setting, and the illustrations made a clear shot to my imagination. The headings in red, white pages with ‘blood-soaked’ borders and detailed pencil drawings are very dramatic and complements the story. Yet another book that kept me glued to my seat (well, bed literally).
October 31, 2017
Dracula is one of those stories I have loved since I was a teenager. I remember seeing the beginning of the Frank Langella film version of Dracula from 1979 when I was a child and have been fascinated with vampires ever since.
I have never actually read the book before, but have seen many different versions of it. The book fit in with most of it but as expected there were some small differences to the theatrical versions made.
This particular edition that I have read wasn't the actual Bram Stoker version, it is Bram Stoker's Dracula but converted into modern language by Jan Needle to make it more readable and it worked nicely. I have had the proper version on my shelves for years but whenever I pick it up, the format always tends to put me off so this actually succeeded in making me read it and I'm glad I did!
I loved it. It was brilliantly creepy and atmospheric and I totally enjoyed it. Having seen so many film versions I was easily able to engage with the characters. For me Dr Seward and Quincey Morris are always my favourite characters and that was still the case with this book.
4 stars.
I have never actually read the book before, but have seen many different versions of it. The book fit in with most of it but as expected there were some small differences to the theatrical versions made.
This particular edition that I have read wasn't the actual Bram Stoker version, it is Bram Stoker's Dracula but converted into modern language by Jan Needle to make it more readable and it worked nicely. I have had the proper version on my shelves for years but whenever I pick it up, the format always tends to put me off so this actually succeeded in making me read it and I'm glad I did!
I loved it. It was brilliantly creepy and atmospheric and I totally enjoyed it. Having seen so many film versions I was easily able to engage with the characters. For me Dr Seward and Quincey Morris are always my favourite characters and that was still the case with this book.
4 stars.
November 6, 2008
I sarted reading this in the summer before sixth grade and omg i couldn't sleep for a month. The writing is amazing but it feels like Dracula is going to fly out of the book, fangs at the ready, and take the life right out of me.
i don't recommend this book to the faint at heart because a good number of innocent people get their lives taken away because the fag Jonathan Harker tries to sell Dracula a mansion in London. of course he doesn't know he's a demon vampire at the time, but he soon realizes that he's got himself in the midst a an evil force so much more pwerful than himself, he doubts that he will ever escape the castle of Dracula in transylvania.
I really hated it when Dracula went after Lucy westerna, Mina Harker's (Jonathan's Fiancee) best friend. Lucy was so innocent and kind but Dracula had to go and drink her precious blood and then turn her into one of the undead. :(
All in all its a very good book and everyone should read it at least once before they die.
i don't recommend this book to the faint at heart because a good number of innocent people get their lives taken away because the fag Jonathan Harker tries to sell Dracula a mansion in London. of course he doesn't know he's a demon vampire at the time, but he soon realizes that he's got himself in the midst a an evil force so much more pwerful than himself, he doubts that he will ever escape the castle of Dracula in transylvania.
I really hated it when Dracula went after Lucy westerna, Mina Harker's (Jonathan's Fiancee) best friend. Lucy was so innocent and kind but Dracula had to go and drink her precious blood and then turn her into one of the undead. :(
All in all its a very good book and everyone should read it at least once before they die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2014
I came across this book in my school library one day when we had an english period there (studying gothic literature). At this point I was already sick of the 'Twilight' vampire craze and was looking for something else to sink my teeth into. Haha, you see what I did there? *tumbleweed rolls by* Anyway... I ended up getting this book out of the library and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story is brilliant, but in older editions may be a bit confusing. I noticed this recently when I was purusing the new $10 puffin classics collection in the bookshop, began reading the beginning of the original Dracula and was like, 'This isn't the same.' The edition I read was just really awesome and easy to understand: it had sketches and author's notes to clarify, and I would recommend it to anyone! READ THIS EDITION! :)
The story is brilliant, but in older editions may be a bit confusing. I noticed this recently when I was purusing the new $10 puffin classics collection in the bookshop, began reading the beginning of the original Dracula and was like, 'This isn't the same.' The edition I read was just really awesome and easy to understand: it had sketches and author's notes to clarify, and I would recommend it to anyone! READ THIS EDITION! :)
January 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and whipped right through with lots of comments on my Kindle.... I was interested in the superstitions (origination of the use of garlic to ward off evil spirits?), religious references. Is this where the nursery rhyme "there was an old lady who swallowed a fly....." comes from? What about the commentary throughout the novel related to faith vs science an argument that continues to this day regarding creationism vs evolution. Also is this the origination of "if looks could kill", "true grit". Even portents of the future: "If America can go on breeding men like that, she will be a power in the world..." I could have done without all the predominance of references to Christianity and religion but then, I guess the book would not be Dracula without.... A FAVORITE
November 2, 2020
My high school best friend and I watched Francis Ford Coppola's version of Dracula dozens of times. (Yes, we realized that Gary Oldman was pure camp and Keanu was horribly miscast, but still...) Somewhere in there, I read this original novel, the novelization of the movie, and various books about Vlad the Impaler. So the general plot of the novel was very familiar, but the details were hazy.
For a Victorian era horror novel, it's aged fairly well. The blood transfusion bits are laughable, and I couldn't stop seeing vampirism as a metaphor for rape. It all seems much less romantic than it did when I was a teen. (As do many things. ::sigh::) But in retrospect (not having watched the movie for at least 20 years), I think Coppola may have actually improved it. At least he provided some motivation for Dracula and gave him a more satisfying, dramatic death.
For a Victorian era horror novel, it's aged fairly well. The blood transfusion bits are laughable, and I couldn't stop seeing vampirism as a metaphor for rape. It all seems much less romantic than it did when I was a teen. (As do many things. ::sigh::) But in retrospect (not having watched the movie for at least 20 years), I think Coppola may have actually improved it. At least he provided some motivation for Dracula and gave him a more satisfying, dramatic death.
October 27, 2007
Warning! I love Dracula by Bram Stoker, but this book Bram Stoker's Dracula, published in 2004 by Candlewick Press, adapted and abridged by editor Jan Needle, is NOT that book. This edition is a shortened version, with "modernized" language, that attempts to be more accessible for teens.
Large chunks of description have been replaced by editorials on how scary the next section is going to be, and how the characters are feeling. I was torn out the narrative flow each time I ran into one of these passages, and really resented being told what was going on, instead of being allowed to see for myself.
So, beware this edition, with it's beautiful red-edged pages, and attractive endpapers. It is a pale shadow of the original. Beware!
Large chunks of description have been replaced by editorials on how scary the next section is going to be, and how the characters are feeling. I was torn out the narrative flow each time I ran into one of these passages, and really resented being told what was going on, instead of being allowed to see for myself.
So, beware this edition, with it's beautiful red-edged pages, and attractive endpapers. It is a pale shadow of the original. Beware!
March 12, 2012
Absolutely wretched. Not only was the book annoying to read (all the pages are white with red "bloodstained edges" and they were way too fond of changing from bold to italics to all capitals (the way the diary entries were thrown in was annoying and sometimes I lost track of who I was following in the story), but I am very sure that a different copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula would be much much better. This one is 'edited' and I'm not sure how much, but it was an absolutely horrid book to read. The only reason I didn't put it down was because frankly, I was on an airplane and had nothing else to read.
April 25, 2012
This book felt more like a check off my list than a book I enjoyed, and that never sits well with me. Van Helsing is difficult to read--with his constant insistence that Dracula is stupid when at every turn he proves quite the opposite. In addition, the women in the book are treated as a mixture between children and pets, coddled and patronized at every turn, and they only exclaim about how much they love it! I have to admit that all I wanted by the end was a POV change where Dracula finds them all and kills them in interesting and scary ways. I blame my morbidity on Stoker.
November 10, 2022
Dracula was a book written in eighteen hundred written by Braham Stroker. The book starts with a character named Named going to spend time in Transylvania for work. Though he quickly found out something wasn't quite right while staying in the Count's house. The book was okay. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't the best book I had ever read. I give this book a four because of its weird spelling and lovely ending. The theme of this book is to be brave.
January 7, 2011
I read this book with much anticipation but upon finishing it, I found myself disappointed. While the book wasn't terrible, it wasn't fantastic either. I expected the story of Dracula to be more captivating. I readily admit that I enjoy reading vampire novels but this was not a favorite; perhaps I am just to used to modern day vamps.
June 12, 2016
Weeell if I have to be honest I reached the middle of the book and couldn't take it any more..not because it was "terrifying" oohh no..I even think it is a bit boring,maybe because I was expecting too much don't know.But I admit to myself - I didn't like it :}
October 16, 2009
I thought it was interesting how the movie industry actually made the story more sensible. Stoker didn't consider everything. But anyway, I found myself getting annoyed with the characters not recognizing what was happening. Interesting book, good read for October.
March 19, 2012
This is a god fast way to read the story of Dracula. It gets rid of the slow and boring sections that the modern reader usually doesn't like. Also the pictures and just the book itself is quite beautiful. :)
March 7, 2012
I picked up this re-edited version of Dracula thinking if I liked it enough I would get the unabridged version. Even though it was a lighter version of the story, it reminded me of why I don't do horror. So I won't be reading the unabridged version.
May 22, 2015
Having just finished reading the "Twilight" novels I had to go back and read about REAL vampires to wash the sweetness out of my mind. (Gosh that sounds like a grinch review. It's not...much.)Dracula is the prototype of the demonic vampire.
June 10, 2015
I don't read a lot of classics but this was for a book group. I loved it. What a great horror story! The story being told through journals and different points of view. This is definitely worth a read!
July 14, 2007
I was surprised at how poorly written this book is, not to mention dull.
August 16, 2007
meant for all u ppl obsessed with vamps..
August 20, 2007
Awesome book from the first page! This is such a good book, and good to know where all the halloween hoopla started from!
September 5, 2007
*shiver*
September 7, 2007
Another of my favourites. I can taste this book when I read it. Fabulous.
September 14, 2007
One of the first Gothic fiction books. And totally amazing. Forget what you've watched/read and just read this book.
September 28, 2007
Vampire stories = I like.
This one needs no explanation.
This one needs no explanation.
September 21, 2007
Nosferatu!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews