The University of Winchester is hosting a special event to explore our enduring fascination with Count Dracula.

The event, called Dissecting Dracula, will take place at the Theatre Royal Winchester on Wednesday, October 30, the night before Halloween.

Academics from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) will explore Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, which has spawned endless stage, screen and radio adaptations, as well as comic books and video games.

The bloodthirsty Count holds the Guinness World Record for being the most-played character in movies and TV.

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Famous screen Count Bela Lugosi in the 1931 Universal Pictures' version of Dracula (Image: University of Winchester) His success has also sparked an ongoing obsession with the undead, as seen in Twilight, Count Duckula, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and What We Do in the Shadows.

The event will examine the novel and its legacy, with expert input from university staff.

Event organiser Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of HSS, said: "Dracula is the one vampire everyone knows and there are so many different angles to come at the story from – literary, historical, sociological, psychological.

"We hope this evening will not only demonstrate the breadth of expertise at the university but will also be accessible, fun and a little bit scary."

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Dracula author Bram Stoker (Image: University of Winchester) The speakers on the night will be Polly Stoker, Emily Stiles, Gary Farnell, Joe Stubbersfield and Liam Satchell.

Their topics will range from Ancient origins of the modern vampire to Disgust and morbid curiosity.

The audience will have the chance to delve deeper into the Dracula phenomenon during a Q&A session chaired by the Dean of HSS, Mike Bradshaw.

Mr Bradshaw said: "Count Dracula has incredible potential for adaptation and re-imagining.

"Bram Stoker’s novel is the perfect case study for interdisciplinary study: the story has so much to tell us about self and society, culture and history, science and superstition.

"Come along and see some of our brightest academic minds do battle with the evil count (garlic not included)."

For more information, visit the Theatre Royal Winchester website.