Dracula Takes the Stage
Dracula Takes the Stage  
Podcast: The Powers of Darkness Podcast
Published On: Mon Oct 26 2026
Description: Season Two pulls back the curtain on Bram Stoker's theatrical life and the possibility that Powers of Darkness began as an early, stage-inspired version of Dracula. Iris Ichishita and Dacre Stoker welcome Hollywood editor and The Vampire's Castle creator Sean Rourke, alongside John Eastwood, great-grandson of Edmund Blake, the first actor to portray Count Dracula in Hamilton Deane's authorized stage adaptation in 1924. From forgotten scenes and possible casting inspirations to theatrical clues hiding in plain sight, Sean makes the case that Powers of Darkness may contain traces of an earlier Stoker manuscript. John reveals how his great-grandfather helped establish Dracula's iconic stage presence, while exploring Florence Stoker's efforts to shape and protect her husband's legacy. Along the way, the conversation uncovers competing theatrical adaptations, a surprisingly different fate for Renfield, and the enduring influence of the Lyceum Theatre. Could the stage hold the key to one of Dracula's greatest literary mysteries? EXPLORE MORE Powers of Darkness, Season One: Listen Here Sean Roark: The Vampire's Castle John Eastwood: Wisdomia Group / The First Dracula Dacre Stoker: Official Website The Bram Stoker Estate: Official Website Or Whatever Movies: Official Website