MAY 2-7 2005, BATH: DRACULA descends on Bath next week as Colin Baker stars in a chilling new adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic horror.

Colin plays the role of Van Helsing and is delighted with the part.

"It's a classic part to play as everyone knows who Van Helsing is," he said. "He's not that dashing young man in the movie who all the ladies swoon after, he is actually a stout, middle-aged professor who happens to know about killing vampires."

This new adaptation of Dracula was written by Bryony Lavery and is set in the 21st century.

"The set is great and people appear out of nowhere," said Colin, "We've had a very good response to it so far and people scream and jump in the appropriate places, and blood spurts when characters have their heads sawn off. Scott Penrose, leading member of the Magic Circle and advisor on Jonathan Creek created the illusions and they are really impressive."

Although Colin has been an actor for many years now he began his career as a lawyer.

"I got into acting at school but my father wouldn't let me take it up as a career and so I went into law but I think I spent more time doing amateur dramatics than studying," he admits. "Eventually I just thought 'you only get one crack at life' so I decided to go for it."

Colin is probably best known for his role as Dr Who and he is very impressed by the new series starring Christopher Ecclestone and Billie Piper.

"The production values and the costumes are very impressive," says Colin. "When I first had the part of Dr Who they asked me what sort of costume I would like and I said something black but they gave me this dreadful multi-coloured cloak to wear. I am quite envious of Chris Ecclestone being able to wear his black leather jacket and t-shirt."

Colin has performed in Bath quite a few times and is looking forward to next week.

"You see Bath on the itinerary and you know it is going to be a good week, as it is a nice theatre, a great city and a good audience," he said.