Based loosely on real events, The Highgate Vampire is a dark comedy play which follows the occurrences surrounding reported supernatural sightings near Highgate Cemetery in the late 1960s.
Alexander Knott plays a Mark-from-Peep-Show-esque, self-serious, uptight Catholic priest/exorcist. James Demaine contrasts as a flamboyant psychic investigator with a flair for the dramatic. Together, they deliver a lecture on how they supposedly defeated the Highgate Vampire, although with the psychic investigator’s showy influence the lecture ends up more like a theatrical play, replete with props, costumes, and lighting effects. Even as the characters butt heads, there is good chemistry between the performers, both comedically and in the more tender and sincere moments. Knott makes for an excellent straight-man, with Demaine hilariously providing more overt silliness. At times, Knott’s monologues can feel a little too dry and turgid, but this makes the moments where the character lets loose and has fun all the more entertaining and satisfying.
When it is at its best, the show is very funny. It’s delightful to see the priest’s earnest lecture derailed by theatrics, including an entire musical number. However, the best jokes are relatively few and far between for a comedy play. In between the funniest bits, the plot follows the duo’s investigation into the Highgate Vampire. Some spooky moments are very effective, although they are often undermined by distracting asides, only some of which are funny enough to warrant interrupting the flow of the scene and the buildup of tension.
The technical elements of the performance are very effective. The lighting and Samuel Heron’s sound design ensure that during the spookier moments a suitably creepy atmosphere is established. The delightful props and costumes evoke the late 60s, as do Demaine’s moustache and Knott’s sideburns, although the use of a modern projector feels somewhat anachronistic. The projection is supposedly there to sell the idea of this being a lecture with an accompanying slideshow, but other than some photographs at the start it is mainly used to provide backdrop images for the various locations visited and ends up being more distracting than engaging.
Despite a handful of imperfections, The Highgate Vampire is very funny at times and is carried by charming performers with great chemistry. Fans of horror or those with an interest in the history of modern London will have a great time, and general audiences will find the show humorous and entertaining.
The Highgate Vampire runs until 30th December at Omnibus Theatre, with tickets available at https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/
Reviewer: Charles Edward Pipe
Reviewed: 18th December 2025
North West End UK Rating: