Nine Pints at Dracula’s Cabaret Gold Coast was a night to remember, and I’m not just saying that. There were many elements that made the night, the show and the overall experience worth it. It’s not just the music video clip artistry of the performances, but the comedy and the rawness that comes with it all. There’s no holding back or messing about when it comes to Dracula’s and Nine Pints goes to show it. On the surface, Dracula’s looks closer to Fangtasia from True Blood than anything else, and it’s ultimately a place where us mere mortals go to party.
Lining up to go inside the Dracula’s Cabaret at Gold Coast was an interesting sight. I had never previously been to a Dracula's show and it was clear to see that the staff members were in character and on the prowl. They were screaming at passersby and climbing the outside gates and being downright cheeky. There were some serious Fangtasia vibes going on and I have to say I rather enjoyed this particular flavour of horror themed cabaret, it was different but a good different. From Ghost Train Rides to a nice dinner, what’s not to enjoy with this package worth every penny? It’s the ultimate experience, not to mention when they do big screen replays of every Ghost Train Rider’s reaction to a foam axe coming down on them with a terrifying shriek.
The pork belly was delightful, and I wish I had been able to enjoy some of the alcoholic beverages (Green P’s) as they looked quite delicious dare I say. As we settled in for the show I wasn’t sure what to expect ahead but knew we were in for a good night regardless. From performances with a very music video flair to featuring a range of popular songs, it wasn’t difficult to get on the same wavelength as Dracula’s Nine Pints and enjoy the ride. From Marilyn Manson’s Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) to Do I Wanna Know? by the Arctic Monkeys to Tenacious D’s Tribute to other popular hits from the 27 Club and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, there was plenty in the mix that made this show likeable and just good old fun.
Not to mention a fantastic rendition of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. There was so much about this night that does require you to be there, but I will say that if you’re a fan for some popular culture references, some wacky humour and a good time - you’re in for a treat. The performances of the night really reminded me of MTV style music video clips, as the lighting and stage design was telling the audience a story and inviting us to peer into the world the performers were presenting to us. However, that’s not to say that the attention wasn’t turned onto the audience either. There was a camera and projector screen early on in the show that picked out interesting ensembles from the audience and the performers made comments on different characters in the audience.
You can’t escape being seen and in the spotlight on a night like this, and there’s no hiding from the staff members either - when I went to rest my head of my partner’s shoulder, one of the dressed up Dracs began stood on the sofa seat whacking me on the head with a soft brush telling me to “Wake up, now is not a time for sleeping!” What the staff member perhaps didn’t realise was that I was soaking it all in, and having driven down from Brisbane, yes, I was simply resting for a moment. But I also found other moments entertaining that weren’t part of the performance, such as my partner in crime stacking the plates neatly and putting them off to the side for collection, and one particular worker thanked us for stacking the plates and commented that the jerks next to us hadn’t done so, causing her to exert more effort to take their plates. It was nice to have a gold star from a Dracs team member and nice to feel apart of this weird and wacky environment.
Weird, unusual, provocative - sure. But when it comes down to it Dracula’s Cabaret is a place for everyone, including and especially the weird and the wonderful. Step inside a place of blood and lust and take a stroll on the dark side. Open your eyes to the possibilities and explore the wonders of the bloodlust of Dracula’s Nine Pints before it’s too late.
Dracula's Cabaret Gold Coast
1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Joanna Letic