BRAM Stoker’s gothic masterpiece Dracula opens in Bolton in an atmospheric and haunting adaptation of the classic horror.

Director Martin Pearce is bringing the story of Count Dracula to a theatre audience, fulfilling a long held ambition to stage the iconic tale.

Based on the adaptation by John Godber and Jane Thornton, award-winning The Marco Players are promising a stunning retelling of the story.

The cast is led by the handsome and chillingly charismatic Matt Rigby, with Van Helsing played by Ian Taylor, who is himself a writer of gothic fiction and Rhiann Millington is the Count’s love, for whom he travels from the Transylvanian high up in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains to England.

Natalie Crompton of The Marco Players said: “The play has already generated a lot of interested with Saturday night sold out and Friday almost sold out which is great.

“Martin has wanted to bring Dracula to the stage, it is his favourite book but had until now not found the right script. It is so difficult to find the right script for Dracula, which does not become a Hammer House type production or a parody.

“After reading the script by John Godber, who is also a huge fan of the novel, Martin came to the committee and said we must stage this .

“He was so passionate about it and had this vision for it. It his passion which has inspired the cast.

An ensemble create the sound effects throughout the production to great effect says the theatre company, which believes this production will continue to haunt ­— in the best possible way ­— long after the audience have left the theatre.

Natalie said: “There will be an immersive feel to this production, with the audience feeling a part of it.

“I think The Marco Players will be remembered for this production for a long time to come."

It runs from February 27 to March 2 at Sterling Stones Community Hall, Chorley Old Road, Bolton. Ring 01204 841 561 

For tickets visit http://www.themarcoplayers.net/