Macabredaily Event Report: "Embrace Sanctuary"

You can’t keep the undead down. Especially when they’re from the land Down Under.

In the heart of Broadbeach Waters on the sunny Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, stands a castle that commands attention from anyone who passes by. For behind the dungeon doors is the best-known secret of Australian cabaret entertainment. Of course, we’re talking about the fangtastic Dracula’s Cabaret.

Dracula’s Cabaret originally got its start in Melbourne in 1980. A horror comedy themed restaurant became a real scream with patrons. Based on The Rocky Horror Picture Show, zany characters, and a haunted castle interior thrilled crowds. It initially began in an old warehouse in the back streets of the city before outgrowing its location, moving to Victoria Street in 1990, which became its legendary Melbourne venue.

In 1985, Dracula’s doors opened on the Gold Coast. With the Melbourne venue proving successful, there was a lot of hesitation to opening another venue in another state. Locals supported the venture, falling in love with the eccentric comedy and intimate atmosphere. It is this location that not only is a Gold Coast landmark but is the place where I escaped to Sanctuary.

To quote Dracula’s website, “Sanctuary opens with a sharp crack to the skull, followed by a spicy combination of the undead and criminally insane. Sit back and inject a little lust into your life as you bear witness to the perverse performances of our resident psychopaths. From our death-defying aerial acrobatics to our groin-aching vocals, you’ll experience the thrill of seduction as the perversion overcomes you.” And they really weren’t wrong.

Dracula’s is an experience from the moment you arrive. Greeted by the vampires who dwell within, you are ushered inside. Depending on the show currently circulating within the castle walls your evening’s beginning will be a different experience each time. Typically, a Dracula’s show runs for a full 12 months, though the last show, like everything else, was affected by the pandemic.

But with things returning to normal on the Gold Coast, it’s time for the vampires to run rampant again.

The show is a fast-paced thrill ride from start to finish and aimed at mature audiences. Let Dr. Acula and Nurse IV (getit?), get you settled in for your treatment. Many different therapies are on offer, and they all include a side of adult humour, a little nudity (or at least implied), and a ton of sass. You’ll be laughing so hard you’ll cry. Small individual skits make up three acts, combining music with acrobatics and dance, and even audience participation.

Being a cabaret, expect the cast to belt out original tunes as well as modern day classics. I cannot praise the performers enough. Their vocals are mesmerizing, and their presence is hypnotic.

Giving a shout out to the incredible cast including Amber-Dawn Finch (Nurse IV), Trent Owers (Dr. Acula), Hayley Fielding (Misty), Mick Jeffery (Johnny Slaps), and Lachlan Neate (Sven). Trent was phenomenal, playing up to the crowd every chance he could get, engaging the audience with each appearance he made. Hayley’s aerial skills were jaw-dropping, leaving me in a state of awe, while Amber-Dawn’s vocals were a powerhouse that had to be heard to be believed. She was quite the comedian too. As for Lachlan and Mick, their instrumental performances of drums and guitar were exceptional. But it was their comedic performances that were the highlight of the night.

Along with the show comes a three-course meal which is simply to die for. Their signature dessert is a decadent chocolate coffin, layered with mixed berry mousse, white chocolate liqueur and freeze-dried raspberries. Excuse me, I just drooled on my keyboard. The menu changes with each show, and I have to say that it has never disappointed me. Their food is top quality and is an experience in itself.

As the show comes to a close, the bar becomes a hive of activity as the audience can meet the cast, while the little shop of horrors opens to allow merchandise purchases.

Dracula’s Cabaret has always been an experience that I have encouraged tourists to visit. Regardless of if you’re a fan of horror and all things spooky, or if your tastes run a little more vanilla, there’s something for everyone at Dracula’s.

So, if you find yourself lost in the darkness on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, head towards the light of the old, derelict castle opposite Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Step inside, and have your world turned upside down in a night of debaucherous fun.

RATINGS

THE CABARET: 9/10 – I thoroughly enjoyed the show. The costumes, performances, audience interaction were top-notch. Some acts were slightly weaker than others, but overall, it was a solid performance all around.

FOOD: 10/10 – The menu was simply to die for. Seriously, I think I died and went to heaven with that lamb shank.

ATMOSPHERE: 9/10 – Normally Dracula’s gets a 10 from me in regard to atmosphere. However, they drop a point for the ghost train not being operational at the time of my visit. It is a huge part of what makes Dracula’s stand out as an attraction. Now the ghost train may not have been operational for many reasons – maintenance, pandemic, possible removal? – but whatever reason it was out of commission did unfortunately disappoint a little. Here’s hoping it returns soon enough.

OVERALL

Sanctuary is a phenomenal show, boasting engaging acts, colourful costumes, and even more colourful characters. Opening the doors at 7PM, the staff really embrace the spooky vibes of the place. It is these vibes that keep Dracula’s at the top of the must-see list when it comes to Gold Coast attractions. It truly is an experience like nothing else.

To the team at Dracula’s I want to say this – thank you for an incredible evening. You gave me back something I had lost months ago; My smile. I’ll see you all again real soon as I check myself back into Sanctuary.

Dracula’s Cabaret is currently embarking on a separate tour entitled Resurrection. The Resurrection Tour is travelling to Sydney, Woollongong, Melbourne, and Hobart. Get your tickets now Dracula's Cabaret | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. (draculas.com.au)

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