It’s Giles Davies in an over-the-top performance as Nosferatu – Count Dracula. Old, decrepit, energy faded to almost nothing. Then, after the gray wolf escapes from the sinking ship, suave, cultured, handsome. Master to the now-sane and scared man in the strait jacket. The wielder of great power – closing heavy doors without moving, erasing memories with a glance, drawing his intended victims closer with his will.
Giles uses every bit of himself in his acting. His body, small movements seducing, overpowering, setting all else in motion. His voice whispering, commanding, drawing us in. His sheer power and command of himself and the stage. There are others on the stage, of course. And they are wonderful, in particular Billy Chace. But it is Giles amid the carnage, causing the carnage, reveling in the carnage. The scene on the bed with Mina – not to be forgotten. Ever.
And beware all that blood.