Jackula has never been a scary vampire, unlike his older, more famous, brother, Dracula. Instead of creating scares, he created tricks in his bedroom - from juggling, to balancing acts involving water and host of other things - much to the annoyance of his regular vampire family. Writer and director Jeff Keogh uses this idea to build a fun Halloween show that entertains, while showing off skills, that is aimed for children and in this he pulls it off very well.
With a packed Civic Theatre, many young audience members in Halloween dress (some not so young as well!) , Thriller playing along while we await the moment, there was a genuine fun feeling to it all. There is great audience interaction, and bringing children up to help with tricks, keeping the fun, and character, going from start to finish, even improvising well along the way. Judging from all the clapping, and cheering, it went down a storm, and enjoyed by the guests I had as well (all within the age bracket suggested, which is 4-12 years)
For the adults there are the tricks and then the balancing acts, glass of water on top of a skittle type thing, which is genuinely good, helped with a good choice of music along the way. It is all built up well, and keeps it all buzzing along.
It is great seeing so many young kids having a great, enjoyable experience in the theatre, with such a great atmosphere. The ending was good as well, building on one more trick, reminding people to follow dreams no matter where it might take, but at least it will you somewhere interesting, before the strains of 'The Impossible Dream' add to his moment of doing that little bit more.
It was perfect for Halloween, fun, and shows Keogh knows how to put together a show for the most vocal and open, and direct, audience around. And he knows how to make Halloween a little bit more fun.
Runs until 31st Oct
Written and Directed by Jeff Keogh
Venue: The Civic Theatre, Dublin
Presented by Brilliant Events
