VAMPYRIA - A Preview

At Vamps & Tramps 3 - The Dracula Centenary in Whitby it was the talk of the town. Magazines like 'Shivers', 'The Dark Side', 'SFX', 'Terrorizer' and 'Dreamwatch' as well as Thee Vampire Guild's 'Crimson', The Dracula Society's 'Voices from the Vaults', are or will be carrying adverts for it. Thus far it has seen plugs on Virgin Radio, with TV to follow. Glossy double sided leaflets can be found in The Forbidden Planet, The Cinema Store, Waterstones and all the major Film and Collectors Fairs in London for it. Thousands of the dark mysterious flyers are finding their way across the country - dropping through letter boxes via Mail-outs, winding their way across seas and oceans to Ireland, Holland and the U.S.A.

So what is going on?

What exactly is VAMPYRIA and why does it seem that everybody is talking about it? Can it really be happening? Is it really taking place in Central London, as opposed to a wet and windy fishing village in North Yorkshire? Who is behind it? Who would be mad enough to even contemplate such a huge scaled event, let alone try and pull it off?

Well dear reader, the answer to the last two questions is simple - it could only be Louis! Yes,

Dark Angel Productions is not some huge company based in Central london run by greedy businessmen who constantly harass their secretaries into wearing tighter tops and shorter skirts - if only! No, Dark Angel Productions is a single entity, a one vampyre operation.

VAMPYRIA is a very ambitious (and probably insane) project being organised, marketed, advertised and run by just a single entity. The reason? Because that individual was simply not prepared to sit back and allow the centenary of one of the most artistically influential novels ever published to pass by without one hell of a BIG PARTY.

And yet the concept of VAMPYRIA is more than just a party, a lot of thought went into selecting all the VIP guests and performers. The idea was to bring together a group of artists (be that in a variety of mediums from writers to actresses) and performers who actually care about what they do, as opposed to simply doing it for a fast buck. A group of talented individuals who share a passion for the subject of Dracula and/or Vampyres, just like the organiser. VAMPYRIA is not a 'goth' event, nor is it just a 'bunch of bands on stage' saying "yeah, Dracula is cool!".

VAMPYRIA is a multi-media, multi-layered event wth something for everyone with an interest in the Dracula/Vampyre phenomenon. Whether that be an interest in music, literature, graphic art, fahion or even fine art, there will be something for all.

VAMPYRIA is a place; a person; an attitude; an event - THE event of the 20th century. It's doors are open to all, both mortals and immortals alike. All the UK-based vampyre groups have been informed of VAMPYRIA and members from all are expected to attend. The entire event will be filmed, whether that will be privately or by an independant film company, one of the cable or satellite channels is not yet known, but an event of this calibre will be more than worthy of being immortalised on film for future generations.

There will be much to see, hear and experience at VAMPYRIA. An opportunity to meet one of the lovely ladies from the golden age of Hammer Films, be that Ingrid Pitt, the lovely Caroline Munro, or a rare chance to meet Veronica Carlson, who has made many appearances in the United States, but is making her first ever UK public appearance at VAMPYRIA!

For the more literary fans of the genre there will be a chance to meet and talk to both Freda Warrington and Brain Stableford, with the possibility of one or two, possibly even three more authors in attendance.

The on screen visual entertainment will consist mainly of three separate parts. Regular readers of 'CRIMSON' will doubtless be aware of Thee Vampire Guild's short futuristic vampire film "Circle Grave" which is getting its exclusive WORLD PREMIERE showing at VAMPYRIA. Even as you read this the finishing touches and final editing are being undertaken.

Jake West has kindly agreed to show the trailer and clips from his UK made film 'Razor Blade Smile' starring the lovely EILEEN DALY. Jake, whom some of you may already have met at one or two LVG meetings at the Phoenix Bar, made the film for just under Ł1million, and although currently working on the final edit has received much coverage recently in various film-related publications. The 'rough cut' of 'Razor Blade Smile' recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. EILEEN DALY will also be taking the stage at VAMPYRIA in full REDEMPTION costume to give a brief commentary to various film clips supplied by a top cult video label.

The bars will be open from 3pm right through until 10.30pm, there are the stalls and an exhibition of Dracula inspired fine art.

The on-stage entertainment will see TWO WORLD PREMIERE performances as well as two live debuts. The first act will be 'CURSE OF THE VAMPIRE' whose name will be unfamiliar to most of you, if not all. They will be performing their live instrumental debut to accompany a spoken word version of DRACULA in a very original way, Don't worry they will not be doing the whole story!! Next up will be BRIAN PULIDO & VLAD.

This World premiere will be followed by another first - DEINONYCHUS, another name that will be unfamiliar to most, this performance will consist of live vocals accompanied by a specially choreographed Vampiric Theatre. [For more on DEINONYCHUS see 'THE RISE AND RISE OF A DUTCH MASTER'] The final act of the event will be the ever popular INKUBUS SUCCUBUS, who should need little introduction.

Little mention has been made here of the 'FROM DUSK TILL DAWN' snakedance, the Cyber-vamps and the Brides of Dracula, nor the grand opening, nor the host of VAMPYRIA. Suffice to say the whole event is being hosted by Louis, including the opening - so expect the unexpected! There will always be something going on during this totally unique, non-repeatable 'one-off' event. If you weren't planning on going on any of the many trips organised this year, and yes it is turning out to be a busy and hectic one, do not miss this. THIS IS THE EVENT THAT PEOPLE WILL STILL BE TALKING ABOUT WELL INTO THE NEXT MILLENIUM.

VAMPYRIA is all set to be the Largest, Darkest and Most Spectacular Event of its kind EVER - can you really afford to miss it? Be Bitten....

VAMPYRIA: THE DRACULA CENTENARY CELEBRATION takes place at the Hippodrome Leicester Square on Sunday 24th of August 1997 at 3pm. Tickets cost Ł20 which includes all of the above, food and souvenir programme. Available direct from: Dark Angel Productions (Vampyria), BCM Box 3475, London, WC1N 3XX. All cheques/PO's should be made payable to 'Dark Angel Productions (Vampyria)' or see leaflets for further details and outlets.

by Louis Ravensfield