Review: The Highgate Vampire (The Glitch)

My second trip to The Glitch, this time for The Highgate Vampire, a Bag of Beard production, which I had been looking forward to, to the point of wondering if I may be disappointed if the show didn’t match my expectations. This is due to the strength of the social media posts about the play, which were entertaining in themselves. I cannot think of a more perfect spot for this show, going down the staircase into the theatre somehow felt very apt.

Written and performed by James Demaine and Alexander Knott, this play is introduced as a lecture about to be given by Sheffield – a catholic bishop (Alexander Knott) on his single-handed slaying of the Highgate Vampire. His nemesis, Farringdon - a tobacconist and mystic shaman (James Demaine), then enters and adds his side to the story.

With the seating in a round, the performers were on full view by everyone for every second, and their energy together and the chemistry between them and also with the audience was electric.  (There is some very minor audience participation, nothing that would make even the most introverted viewer cringe, in case that is a concern to anyone.)

Farringdon and Sheffield have regular interactions with Audrey the technician (Zoe Grain) which are hilarious. Put-upon Audrey pops up throughout the show and every interaction here brings a laugh. But other characters also appear to explain the events that have taken place. With the help of a bag of props these are also played by Demaine and Knott to great comedic effect.

The extensive lighting and sound effects (sound by Samuel Heron) have a very high impact in this show, they add to the atmosphere and scene setting throughout.

I am laughing as I write this review and remember some of the scenes that unfolded – a fully formed song with ukulele accompaniment, a “chase scene”, the dancing, it was all a bit bonkers really, much like a really vivid dream you wake up from and think what the heck was that about – but wish you could go back to sleep and return to.

The humour was sometimes shocking but always well received; audience members seemed to find different parts of the comedy amusing, it was cleverly written to suit a mixed bunch of people.

With a run time of 65 minutes, the frantic pace doesn’t pause for a second and as such, it felt like the time passed quickly. Director Ryan Hutton has done a fantastic job of making sure this energy remains consistent throughout.

If I lived in London I would be returning to see this show again without hesitation.  I will definitely be looking out for shows by Bag of Beard and the team involved in the future.

My rating is based on the quality of the execution (of the show, not the vampire) and my own personal enjoyment of the show.  Would it be for you?  I would suggest you look at the Bag of Beard social media posts.  If you enjoy what you see in these posts, you will be very likely to love the show.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Highgate Vampire is showing at The Glitch until Monday 5 May.

I was gifted a ticket for this show in exchange for an honest review.

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