You will have no doubt gathered from my previous post that I snagged a long weekend out of the Australia Day holiday on Tuesday and took the opportunity to sneak in a quick break on the Gold Coast with The Hubs. While up North, we were treated to a fabulous night out at Dracula's. Dracula's is a Gold Coast icon that has been entertaining guests for more than 30 years so you just know they must be doing something right. If you are looking for things to do in Surfers Paradise, you should definitely pencil in a night at Drax. Read on for all the details ...
Let's Get Social!
I have been to Surfers Paradise many, many times. We came almost every year when my kids were little as the theme parks were a big draw card for them, but this is the first time that were have visited sans kids since our very first couple holiday in 1989. I don't know where the time goes because I remember it like it was just yesterday. Being a bit of a Gold Coast veteran, it is sometimes difficult to come up with new and exciting things to do. Sure we have our favourite spots that we frequent every visit, but I always make a point of doing something new each time we return to a familiar place. With this in mind, I convinced the Hubs that Dracula's would prove for a great night out. If you are thinking of visiting, this is what you can expect ...
The Location
Dracula's castle is a purpose built, 600 seat auditorium adorned with gargoyles, goblins and all manor of other freaky creatures, located just a few minutes drive south of Surfers Paradise in Broadbeach on the somehow appropriately named Hooker Blvd (coincidence?). There is limited parking on site if you chose to drive, so a better option may be to catch the tram and avoid the booze bus on the way home. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy a bevvy in the fabulous bar!
The Food
So I know what you are thinking ... food at theatre restaurants is notoriously crap right? Wrong! The food at Dracula's is impressive, even more so when you consider how many dishes they need to pump out each night. And don't you be thinking this is going to be alternating chicken and beef dishes like at your cousin's wedding. Nope, this is the real deal, a three course affair with your choice of mains. Even the vego's are catered for! When we dine out, The Hubs and I usually try to pick a different dish so that we can share a little of each others food and get to taste two for the price one so to speak, but on this occasion neither of us could go past the lamb shanks. I often suffer from food envy the minute I have ordered and then find out what everyone else is having, but not on this night. The lamb was crazy tender ... I'm talking falling of the bone! Each shank was accompanied by silky mash and smothered in a delicious garlic, rosemary and red wine sauce, with a few greens on the side. We lapped it up! The climax of the meal was Dracula's signature dessert of Irish cream cheesecake served in a chocolate coffin. Seriously yum and I love that their logo is on the coffin lid! Celebrating an occasion? Drax can even supply a cake to make you celebration all the more special. See Dracula's full menu here.
Amazing Cocktails
Just look at this drink! At $45 a pop it might seem a little steep but there are six shots in each of these delicious concoctions and it might just last you all night long if you are careful! There are of course regular sizes if this is a little much or you are driving. Drax have an impressive list and you are sure to find something to take your fancy.
The Show
Now I don't want to give too much away ... you simply must go and experience it for yourself, but I can say this ... The current show is Bloodbath and you can expect a fun filled night of scantily clad women, fantastic effects, singing, dancing, comedy and live music sprinkled with lots of audience interaction. The show is polished with performers who really know their stuff and I dare you not to sing along to the finale! Note: Dracula's is rated MA15+ and is not suitable for children but Drax for Kids runs every Saturday to cater for the ankle biters in your life so no one misses out. Why not book for your littlies next party which is sure to be a lot more memorable your local Macca's! If you do leave the kidlets at home, stop by The Little Shop Of Horrors and grab them a souvenir. They'll be so chuffed they'll be sure to forgive you for ditching them for the night!
Tickets
There are two ticket types on offer; VIP A reserve and cabaret seating. Both tickets include the show, a three course meal and a ghost train ride, but for a little extra I recommend upgrading to a VIP ticket which includes champagne and canapes on arrival, priority entrance, premium seating and a souvenir necklace. One of the great things about the VIP seating area is that every seat faces the stage so there is no need to twist around and strain your neck to get a great view. Buy tickets here.Interview With The Star Of The Show
I was lucky enough to grab a few minutes with Richard Macionis at the end of the night so I strapped on my hard hitting journalist hat and asked him the burning questions I know you all want answered. Here goes ...
SFH: How long have you personally been involved with Dracula's and what is your role?
RM: I first performed on stage as vampire Spine, at Dracula's Melbourne in 2002. After several years there, I moved to the Gold Coast in 2007 for a temporary understudy position but the GC got "into my blood" and I'm now half way through my 9th year. As Spine, I act as the show's MC, while still singing and doing comedy which is my background. I'm also the Queensland Acting Show Director, which involves keeping everything running like clockwork while the Melbourne based directors are out of town.
SFH: The cast look like they are having a blast on stage. Is Dracula's as fun to work at as it looks or is it really just hard work?
RM: Of course it is hard work, but we are blessed as performers to have a job that is indeed a blast to be a part of. It's a thrill, especially for me, as I am charged with engaging the audience in dialogue during each show. It's different every night based on a unique crowd from various backgrounds and countries. It keeps it fresh. Interesting. Exciting. The hours and effort on stage keep us physically fit and I am blessed to work with some very dear and talented friends, which makes coming to work a joy.
SFH: Dracula's has been entertaining audiences on the Gold Coast for more than 30 years. How do you keep it fresh so that people keep coming back?
RM: Dracula's is constantly reinventing what it presents to it's audiences. It just keeps getting bigger and more extravagant plus the tech behind each new show is mind blowing. I always enjoy coming to the first day of rehearsals and being briefed on the details of each act in the show. It's usually a case of the classic "What the ...?" moment! We have included everything from ice skating on synthetic ice for a comedy ballet to making it snow in the auditorium and I'm thrilled to say that we always pull it off!
SFH: I loved the ghost train photos flashing across the big screen. Have there been any that you just couldn't show? Why?
RM: Yes there have been and I don't think you could print why! It is usually returning customers who are expecting the flash and have some fun with it. More often that not it's harmless fun and the photo's always get a great reaction from the crowd.
SFH: The audience really gets into the show. What's the craziest thing a guest has ever done?
RM: The audience are generally very respectful of the line between joining in and going too far. Of course we get the occasional 'heckle', but that's usually just someone having such a great time that they feel encouraged to 'converse' with you. I did have a lady jump on stage once and grab me for a dance in the finale. It turns out she just wanted to give Spine a hug and I was happy to oblige. We have surprise engagements every now and then that we are happy to work into the show but perhaps the maddest occasion took place a few years ago when a couple invited all their family and friends for pre-show cocktails only to surprise them with a Dracula's wedding. Goth outfits and all! Myself and fellow performer Rudi Testa lead the service as the official ministers.
SFH: What advice do you have for a Drax first timer to ensure they get the very best out of the experience?
RM: Turn up with an open mind and delight in the unexpected. Don't let anyone explain too much about the night to you and just experience the surprises as they take place. Sit back and enjoy the energy and off the wall madness with a team of pro performers who will give you the fright night of your life!
We had a thoroughly enjoyable night at Drax and the question you have you ask yourself is ... Are you ready to get your freak on? Don't think too hard about it ... Just go
Until Next Time ...
Happy Hunting!
SFH
xoxoxo
SFH: How long have you personally been involved with Dracula's and what is your role?
RM: I first performed on stage as vampire Spine, at Dracula's Melbourne in 2002. After several years there, I moved to the Gold Coast in 2007 for a temporary understudy position but the GC got "into my blood" and I'm now half way through my 9th year. As Spine, I act as the show's MC, while still singing and doing comedy which is my background. I'm also the Queensland Acting Show Director, which involves keeping everything running like clockwork while the Melbourne based directors are out of town.
SFH: The cast look like they are having a blast on stage. Is Dracula's as fun to work at as it looks or is it really just hard work?
RM: Of course it is hard work, but we are blessed as performers to have a job that is indeed a blast to be a part of. It's a thrill, especially for me, as I am charged with engaging the audience in dialogue during each show. It's different every night based on a unique crowd from various backgrounds and countries. It keeps it fresh. Interesting. Exciting. The hours and effort on stage keep us physically fit and I am blessed to work with some very dear and talented friends, which makes coming to work a joy.
SFH: Dracula's has been entertaining audiences on the Gold Coast for more than 30 years. How do you keep it fresh so that people keep coming back?
RM: Dracula's is constantly reinventing what it presents to it's audiences. It just keeps getting bigger and more extravagant plus the tech behind each new show is mind blowing. I always enjoy coming to the first day of rehearsals and being briefed on the details of each act in the show. It's usually a case of the classic "What the ...?" moment! We have included everything from ice skating on synthetic ice for a comedy ballet to making it snow in the auditorium and I'm thrilled to say that we always pull it off!
SFH: I loved the ghost train photos flashing across the big screen. Have there been any that you just couldn't show? Why?
RM: Yes there have been and I don't think you could print why! It is usually returning customers who are expecting the flash and have some fun with it. More often that not it's harmless fun and the photo's always get a great reaction from the crowd.
SFH: The audience really gets into the show. What's the craziest thing a guest has ever done?
RM: The audience are generally very respectful of the line between joining in and going too far. Of course we get the occasional 'heckle', but that's usually just someone having such a great time that they feel encouraged to 'converse' with you. I did have a lady jump on stage once and grab me for a dance in the finale. It turns out she just wanted to give Spine a hug and I was happy to oblige. We have surprise engagements every now and then that we are happy to work into the show but perhaps the maddest occasion took place a few years ago when a couple invited all their family and friends for pre-show cocktails only to surprise them with a Dracula's wedding. Goth outfits and all! Myself and fellow performer Rudi Testa lead the service as the official ministers.
SFH: What advice do you have for a Drax first timer to ensure they get the very best out of the experience?
RM: Turn up with an open mind and delight in the unexpected. Don't let anyone explain too much about the night to you and just experience the surprises as they take place. Sit back and enjoy the energy and off the wall madness with a team of pro performers who will give you the fright night of your life!
We had a thoroughly enjoyable night at Drax and the question you have you ask yourself is ... Are you ready to get your freak on? Don't think too hard about it ... Just go
Until Next Time ...
Happy Hunting!
SFH
xoxoxo
You Might Also Like
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Dracula's Queensland. All opinions are my own.
