THE faint-hearted should keep away from Birmingham's Repertory Theatre, when a "bloodcurdlingly brilliant" new version of Bram Stoker's Dracula opens on Tuesday.

Written in 1897, the novel of "sexual repression and Gothic terror" with its story's epic battle between good and evil, darkness and light, has been brought up to date in this Touring Consortium presentation.

The part of Count Dracula, described as "one of the most powerful creations of horror ever conceived," is played by Richard Bremmer, best known as the Harry Potter villain "He who must not be named."

Colin Baker, one of a select group as a former Dr Who, takes on the role of Van Helsing, and his assistant Dr Seward is played by Little Britain favourite Hywel Simons.

The modern adaptation is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and has Magic Circle member and Jonathan Creek advisor Scott Penrose working on the illusions.

The production is considered suitable for those aged 14 and over.

Dracula plays from Tuesday, June 7 to Saturday, June 11, evenings at 7.30pm (except Tuesday 7pm) with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced £11-22.75 (concessions available) from 0121 236 4455 or online at www.birmingham-rep.co.uk