Vampire tales are set to captivate visitors to this year’s Oxford Fringe as the story of a Transylvanian legend is staged.

Produced by Reverend Productions, Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula opened yesterday and will run until Sunday, June 1, at the Old Fire Station, George Street. The play will star former University of Oxford graduate Eleanor Rushton, 26, as vampire victim Lucy Westenra.

Ms Rushton said: “It will be really nice to be performing and I think it will be an exciting show. It is an interesting take on a much performed and much read story.

“It was a role that I have not really played before so it was really exciting as an actor to stretch myself. It will be really fun.

“Oxford is such a gorgeous town. It’s good to come back here and see all the things that have changed and all the things that are the same.”

The festival combines acts from across the country, including stand-up comedy, theatre, puppetry, poetry, live music, and magic.

Oxford Fringe director Tom Crawshaw said: “It is a festival that everyone can take part in.

“We have established acts but also have local acts who would not otherwise be able to take part.”

Tickets can be bought at the door.

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