Nosferatu, we’re told, is the German word for “sexy bachelor”, and that sets the mood perfectly for Nosferatu Looking For Love. Tired of his old life, this infamous vampire is chasing a sea change, heading to Australia with two clear ambitions, to become a star and to finally find a partner.
From the instant Rhiannon McCall appears, the character is fully realised. Dressed in black with stark white makeup, sunken eyes, exaggerated brows, a bald cap and pointed ears, the look is striking without being overdone. The hunched neck is a particularly nice touch, subtle but effective, adding to the physicality.
Beginning with a knock-knock joke, the show quickly establishes its mischievous tone. There is crowd work and audience participation woven throughout, but it’s all very gentle and invites the audience in at an easy pace, creating a relaxed atmosphere that complements the offbeat humour. This carries through to one of the central threads, where Nosferatu prepares an audition tape for a quintessential Australian TV show, neatly tying his theatrical goals into the broader narrative. A silent sequence of how his dates tend to go, complete with dramatic lighting and music, is a highlight, cleverly nodding to Nosferatu’s origins while reimagining them in a tongue-in-cheek, contemporary way.
There is some conversation around the 1922 film and its 2024 version, though these ideas are underexplored. There is potential for sharper commentary or a stronger comedic payoff, especially given that these films should have cemented his status as a star. Questions around whether he auditioned for these roles, and how he feels about them now, are intriguing threads that could have been unpacked more.
Nosferatu Looking For Love leans confidently into its absurdity, anchored by a committed and physically detailed performance from McCall. While there are moments that could be pushed further, specifically around Nosferatu’s legacy and place in pop culture, the show doesn't lose sight of its charm. It’s playful and endearing, offering a fresh, comedic take on a character usually confined to the shadows.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: The Motley Wherehaus, 432 Queen St, Melbourne
Season: until 19 April | Thurs - Tues 6:45pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $34 Full | $29 Conc | $27 Tightarse Tuesday
Bookings: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
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