Review: The Highgate Vampire – Tobacco Factory Theatres
The farcical nature of this very funny show is closer to the truth than we might like
The case of the Highgate Vampire is one of those peculiar historical urban legends. A quirk of British eccentricity in the more hard-faced times of the late sixties and into the seventies – making it seem a little plausible.
Multiple people claimed to have seen supernatural activity in Highgate Cemetery. This was later declared to be a vampire by a local Bishop.
The story was picked up by the media at the time causing a frenzy. Following a news report which contained promises of an exorcism on site, a mob turned up to the cemetery to slay vampires. People scaled the walls to gain access with attending police losing all control of the situation.
The events occurred in the same decade as the famous Enfield Haunting. It’s amazing The Conjuring franchise hasn’t managed to wedge Ed and Lorraine Warren into this story somehow.
There’s something about the events that took place in North London that is so bonkers for Britain could there be a grain of truth in there somewhere?
Bag of Beard Theatre has certainly taken the story onboard, deep-diving this internet rabbit hole of a story and turning it into a darkly comic romp. Imagine The Woman In Black stage show but very funny and with Scooby Doo moments.
The Highgate Vampire is written by theatremakers Alexander Knott – who plays Bishop Patrick Sheffield and James Demaine – who plays Daniel Farringdon the occult tobacconist. It’s directed by Ryan Hutton.
Zöe Grain is responsible for the lighting and sound cues as well as a warm and friendly performance within the show as Audrey the Technician. She also performs FOH duties during the incoming which comes with a flavour of Mischief Theatre.
The characters of Sheffield and Farringdon are based on real-life psychic investigator David Farrant and Bishop Seán Manchester. The play we are watching is a lecture by the Centre for the Locating of Occult and Arcane Knowledge (CLOAK). In real life, Farrant was the Founder President of the British Psychic & Occult Society.
Is the truth of the Highgate Vampire stranger than fiction? At one point during the show, it is acknowledged that the farcical nature of the performance is closer to the truth than we might like.
Before it even starts, Sheffield has locked Farringdon in the toilet to stop him from taking part. Both are desperate to take credit for the vanquishing of the vampire. The rivalry and public feud between the pair was real and lasted their lifetimes.
The Highgate Vampire is a supernatural comedy rather than supernatural horror. There are some decent jumpscares and genuinely creepy moments. It also manages to create a surprisingly atmospheric mood during the final build-up, which is impressive considering the huge amount of comedy.
The writing is sharp and witty, with plenty of asides, playful swipes at Christianity and an absurd ukulele song in C Major which is a joy.
What it is though is funny. Extremely funny. The entire hour-long performance is a series of vignettes before brought back to the lecture.
As they move into evidence accounts given by witnesses, they start to slip in and out of the various characters to great effect.
Bishop Seán Manchester is keen to keep it serious and factual, but Daniel Farringdon is determined to add dramatic flair. It leads to some very “it was 9.30 on Christmas Eve” moments.
Alexander Knott and and James Demaine’s work together as a comedy duo on stage is brilliant.
The show works beautifully in the round of the Factory Theatre auditorium. It all makes for a fantastic evening of entertainment which is perfect this October as we inch towards Halloween.
The Highgate Vampire is at Tobacco Factory Theatres 08 – 10 October 2026
For more information or to book, visit: https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/the-highgate-vampire/
Follow Bag of Beard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagofbeardtheatre/
Photography: Charlie Flint
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