COUNT Dracula is getting ready to make a bloodthirsty tour of rural villages, with the aim of spreading laughter instead of fear.

The Castle Players, from Barnard Castle, who are renowned for their open-air Shakespearean productions, are staging a new show called Dracula Revamped.

It will be premiered at Bowes Village Hall tomorrow night, and move to Scarth Hall in Staindrop on Saturday.

Next week the show will be performed in village halls in Cotherstone on Friday, and Skeeby on Saturday.

The play will be staged at Brafferton on Friday, February 6, at Mickleton the following night, and later in the month at Whorlton, Butterknowle, Barnard Castle and Newsham.

Published: 22/01/2004