You will have no doubt gathered from my previous post that I snagged a long weekend out of the Australia Day holiday on Tuesday and took the opportunity to sneak in a quick break on the Gold Coast with The Hubs. While up North, we were treated to a fabulous night out at Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant. Dracula’s is a Gold Coast icon that has been entertaining guests for more than 30 years so you just know they must be doing something right. If you are looking for things to do in Surfers Paradise, you should definitely pencil in a night at Drax. Read on for all the details …
Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant Overview
I have been to Surfers Paradise many, many times. We came almost every year when my kids were little as the theme parks were a big draw card for them, but this is the first time that were have visited sans kids since our very first couple holiday in 1989. I don’t know where the time goes because I remember it like it was just yesterday. Being a bit of a Gold Coast veteran, it is sometimes difficult to come up with new and exciting things to do. Sure we have our favourite spots that we frequent every visit, but I always make it a point of doing something new each time we return to a familiar place. With this in mind, I convinced the Hubs that Dracula’s would prove for a great night out. If you are thinking of visiting, this is what you can expect …
The Location
Dracula’s castle is a purpose built, 600 seat auditorium adorned with gargoyles, goblins and all manor of other freaky creatures, located just a few minutes drive south of Surfers Paradise in Broadbeach on the somehow appropriately named Hooker Blvd (coincidence?). There is limited parking on site if you chose to drive, so a better option may be to catch the tram and avoid the booze bus on the way home. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy a bevvy in the fabulous bar!
The Food
So I know what you are thinking … food at theatre restaurants is notoriously crap right? Wrong! The food at Dracula’s is impressive, even more so when you consider how many dishes they need to pump out each night. And don’t you be thinking this is going to be alternating chicken and beef dishes like at your cousin’s wedding. Nope, this is the real deal, a three course affair with your choice of mains. Even the vego’s are catered for! When we dine out, The Hubs and I usually try to pick a different dish so that we can share a little of each others food and get to taste two for the price one so to speak, but on this occasion neither of us could go past the lamb shanks. I often suffer from food envy the minute I have ordered and then find out what everyone else is having, but not on this night. The lamb was crazy tender … I’m talking falling of the bone! Each shank was accompanied by silky mash and smothered in a delicious garlic, rosemary and red wine sauce, with a few greens on the side. We lapped it up! The climax of the meal was Dracula’s signature dessert of Irish cream cheesecake served in a chocolate coffin. Seriously yum and I love that their logo is on the coffin lid! Celebrating a special occasion? Drax can even supply a cake to make you celebration all the more special. See Dracula’s full menu here.
Amazing Cocktails
Just look at this drink! At $45 a pop it might seem a little steep but there is six shots in each of these delicious concoctions and it might just last you all night long if you are careful! There are of course regular sizes if this is a little much or you are driving. Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant have an impressive list and you are sure to find something to take your fancy.
The Show
Now I don’t want to give too much away … you simply must go and experience it for yourself, but I can say this … you can expect a fun filled night of scantily clad women, fantastic effects, singing, dancing, comedy and live music sprinkled with lots of audience interaction. The show is polished with performers who really know their stuff and I dare you not to sing along to the finale! Note: Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant is rated MA15+ and is not suitable for children but Drax for Kids runs every Saturday to cater for the ankle biters in your life so no one misses out and is hugely popular for parties with a lot more appeal than your local Macca’s!. If you do leave the kidlets at home I suggest you stop by The Little Shop Of Horrors and pick them up something to take home. They’ll be so chuffed that they won’t even mind that you ditched them for the night!
Tickets
There are two ticket types on offer; VIP A reserve and cabaret seating. Both tickets include the show, a three course meal and a ghost train ride, but for a little extra I recommend upgrading to a VIP ticket which includes champagne and canapes on arrival, priority entrance, premium seating and a souvenir necklace. One of the great things about the VIP seating area is that every seat faces the stage so there is no need to twist around and strain your neck to get a great view. Buy tickets here.
Interview With The Star Of The Show
I was lucky enough to grab a few minutes with Richard Macionis at the end of the night so I strapped on my hard hitting journalist hat and asked him the burning questions I know you all want answered. Here goes …
SFH: How long have you personally been involved with Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant and what is your role?
RM: I first performed on stage as vampire Spine, in Dracula’s Melbourne in 2002. After several years there, I moved to the Gold Coast in 2007 for a temporary understudy position. The GC just got “into my blood” and I’m now half way through my 9th year. As Spine, I act as the show’s MC, while still singing and doing comedy which is my background. I’m also the Queensland Acting Show Director, which involves keeping everything running like clockwork while the Melbourne based directors are out of town.
SFH: The cast look like they are having a blast on stage. Is Dracula’s as fun to work at as it looks or is it really just hard work?
RM: Of course it is hard work, but we are blessed as performers to have a job that is indeed a blast to be a part of. It’s a thrill, especially for me, as I am charged with engaging the audience in dialogue during each show. It’s different every night based on a unique crowd from various backgrounds and countries. It keeps it fresh. Interesting. Exciting. The hours and effort on stage keep us physically fit and I am blessed to work with some very dear and talented friends, which makes coming to work a joy.
SFH: Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant has been entertaining audiences on the Gold Coast for more than 30 years. How do you keep it fresh so that people keep coming back?
RM: Dracula’s is constantly reinventing what it presents to it’s audiences. It just keeps getting bigger and more extravagant plus the tech behind each new show is mind blowing. I always enjoy coming to the first day of rehearsals and being briefed on the details of each act in the show. It’s usually a case of the classic “What the …?” moment! We have included everything from ice skating on synthetic ice for a comedy ballet to making it snow in the auditorium and I’m thrilled to say that we always pull it off!
SFH: I loved the ghost train photos flashing across the big screen. Have there been any that you just couldn’t show? Why?
RM: Yes there have been and I don’t think you could print why! It is usually returning customers who are expecting the flash and have some fun with it. More often that not it’s harmless fun and the photo’s always get a great reaction from the crowd.
SFH: The audience really gets into the show. What’s the craziest thing and a guest has ever done?
RM: The audience are generally very respectful of the line between joining in and going too far. Of course we get the occasional ‘heckle’, but that’s more someone having such a great time that they feel encouraged to ‘converse’ with you. I did have a lady jump on stage once and grab me for a dance in the finale. It turns out she just wanted to give Spine a hug and I was happy to oblige. We have surprise engagements every now and then that we are happy to work into the show but perhaps the maddest occasion took place a few years ago when a couple invited all their family and friends for pre-show cocktails only to surprise them with a Dracula’s wedding. Goth outfits and all! Myself and fellow performer Rudi Testa lead the service as the official ministers.
SFH: What advice do you have for a Drax first timer to ensure they get the very best out of the experience?
RM: Turn up with an open mind and delight in the unexpected. Don’t let anyone explain too much about the night to you and just experience the surprises as they take place. Sit back and enjoy the energy and off the wall madness with a team of pro performers who will give you the fright night of your life!
We had a thoroughly enjoyable night at Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant and the question you have you ask yourself is … Are you ready to get your freak on? Don’t think too hard about it … Just go
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Dracula’s Comedy Cabaret Restaurant Queensland. As always, all opinions are my own.
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liz cleland says
What an amazing dinner and show this would be to attend. I absolutely love to experience it someday!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hope you get to Liz. You won’t be sorry ?
MARINA says
Cool! Everything looks so perfectly decorated to make you feel in a real creepy environment! I must say the cocktail looks good… but the chocolate desert???? That’s insane (ok, I’m a chocolate addict 🙂
Australia’s still a place to discover, but the fact that I need to fly the whole world to get there from Barcelona doesn’t make it any easy 🙂 I’ll add it on my check in list for my someday-trip to Australia 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
They definitely go all out with the decor Marina and yes chocolate is always a winner ?
Janine Good says
Okay, so you have sold me Allison on this show! I had the opportunity the last time I was in the Gold Coast to go with my tour group, but declined. I love the irish cream cheesecake and the coffin is such a cool touch. I am happy to read that the show is for mature audiences as I wouldn’t want to see young children seeing women in skimpy outfits 🙂 I think I would opt for the $45 cocktail anyway and the VIP ticket experience. I am all about the reduced neck strain for great views and getting a souvenir necklace!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Oh you said no! Glad I have changed you mind! You will have to tell me what you think ?
Natalie says
Well, now Dracula and comedy don’t usually go together in the same sentence! This looks like quite an experience. I’m wondering what those 6 shots are in such an expensive drink, too! Looks like a fun and crazy night!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I honestly can’t remember what alcohol was in it Natalie but it was good! It was a whole lot of fun ?
Gina says
I really, really love this post! I’m in the Halloween spirit right now and this show seems really impressive. I enjoy watching shows with dinner and at first I was skeptical when I read that the food was good, but a photo speaks a thousand words. The drink you had looks incredibly tasty buy $45?! That’s so much money. I would definitely pay for the VIP ticket to get champagne with my show though!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Drinks are expensive in Oz anyway. A single cocktail in a bar will hover around $20 so it’s not bad when you compare. This is why we drink at home lol
Melissa says
This looks like a blast! I’m kind of jealous of your child-free night with adult humor and a drink containing six shots! haha! Someday, I will be so lucky too. Until then, perhaps I will have to check out Drax for Kids with my ankle biter. 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I remember those days Melissa! My youngest is 21 one now and my oldest is 24 so I think I have well and truly done my parenting stint lol. It’s me time now lol!
Fray says
You had me at 6 shot cocktail (although a little pricey, I’m sure it does the trick) 🙂
Looks like an ever changing Rocky Horror Show, which is always guaranteed as a good night out.
Gotta say the venue looks lush! Is it a real mixed bag in the crowd?
I’ve not been to the Gold Coast for over 10 years, but it’s definitely overdue, and we now have the first item on the itinerary. It is all year round, right?
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m a sucker for a blue cocktail lol. You need to gets yourself back there if you haven’t been for 10!years! Drax is year round and always a great night out!
Lydia@LifeUntraveled says
You lost me at $45 for a cocktail. 😉 But it does seem like a fun night!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was awesome. Everything is expensive down under so it’s scary that we don’t think it is too bad for a $45 cocktail lol
Sheri says
This looks so amazing! I would be in absolute awe of this as we don’t celebrate Halloween here and I would love to be able to do something different. That blue cocktail looks yummy! A night of fun, cabaret with good and drinks sounds fantastic!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s a great night out Sheri and not just for Halloween as Aussies don’t really celebrate either.