Dracula’s Gold Coast fire: Cabaret cancelled mid-show for first time in 40 years

The popular Dracula’s Gold Coast cabaret show has been forced to halt mid-performance for the first time in 40 years, with 225 people evacuated following a fire.

An iconic cabaret show on the Gold Coast was cancelled mid-performance for the first time in 40 years and 225 people were evacuated after fire in the carpark.

Dracula’s in Broadbeach was evacuated about 8.45pm on Tuesday after the fire in a large industrial bin behind the restaurant.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency spokesman said two crews attended the scene and the fire was extinguished shortly after.

Paramedics assessed four people for smoke inhalation and no-one required transport.

A Dracula’s Cabaret spokesman said all patrons were safely evacuated.

More than 200 people were evacuated after the fire in an industiral bin behind Dracula's. Picture: 7 News

“The fire was rapidly brought under control, with some damage to the exterior of the building,” he said

“The decision was made not to proceed with the remainder of the performance.

“This marks the first time in Dracula’s 40 year history that a performance has been cancelled mid-show.”

It is understood the fire started from an Optus cell tower on the property.

“There are currently external works in progress to upgrade an Optus cell tower situated on the property,” the spokesman said.

“Some of the equipment that is currently being stored on site has been identified as the cause of the fire.

Dracula’s performance schedule won’t be affected.

Dracula’s in Broadbeach was evacuated about 8.45pm on Tuesday after a bin fire at the back of the venue.

“Rehearsals for the new production “Menagerie” – which opens August 23rd – will also recommence from Wednesday morning,” he said

“Dracula’s Box Office will be in touch with all patrons to facilitate transfers or refund as soon as possible.”

Queensland Ambulance Gold Coast Senior Operations Supervisor Adam Flory said paramedics assisted QFES and Queensland Police with the response.

Four persons were treated with minor smoke inhalation,” he said.

“Those four persons were treated at the scene and discharged at the scene with no further follow up required.

More than 200 people were safely evacuated one the alarms went off.

“The reports from the staff here at Dracula’s is all patrons were evacuated promptly once the fire alarms sounded and there was no further action to that,” he said.

“The staff here did an excellent job of getting everyone to safety and allowed the fire safety to do their job.”

The fire was contained to an industiral bin behind Dracula's. Picture: 7 News

Dracula’s CEO Alfred Schmid downplayed the fire’s severity and praised the actions of staff during the evacuation.

“It was a bit of a storm in a teacup ... we were alerted to the fact that there was a bit of a blow up out there,” he told media.

“I have to say the staff were absolutely magnificent. They were entertaining the customers out in the car park, in the mustering area because the show must go on,” he said.

“The patrons were in good spirits. We kept them informed of what was going on ... we handed out some blood bags to them in the carpark so I hope licensing don’t hit me about that.”

Mr Schmid confirmed the cabaret dinner had approval to run as planned on Thursday night.

“The fireys even said and the police came and said they were quite impressed with how efficient we were in getting all the people out,” he said.

Originally published as Dracula’s Gold Coast fire: Cabaret cancelled mid-show for first time in 40 years