Night of the Living Dead! The Musical!
Ghostlight Theatre Co. proves Brisbane’s independent theatre scene is a hotbed of fearless creativity. Their latest production, Night of the Living Dead! The Musical!, directed by Yasmin Elahi, is a riotous, blood-splattered, and surprisingly polished spectacle that fuses the undead with rock ’n’ roll. It’s a deliriously funny homage to George A. Romero’s cult classic and a testament to what can be achieved when a creative team commits wholeheartedly to theatrical chaos.
Writer and composer Jordan Wolfe’s script is fiendishly clever, sexy, spooky, and constantly laugh-out-loud funny, while deftly subverting audience expectations. His book and score deliver both parody and pathos, and the show revels in its own camp absurdity with glorious abandon. There’s a sense of knowing wink throughout, a gleeful self-awareness that turns schlock into satire.
Elahi’s direction is sharp, inventive, and beautifully balanced. Having also taken on the roles of choreographer, lighting designer, costume designer, set designer, and SFX wizard, she creates a world that feels fully realised and wickedly alive. Every creative decision feels purposeful, and her problem-solving within the constraints of Evilcorp Horror Maze’s intimate underground venue is nothing short of ingenious. The result is an experience that’s immersive, claustrophobic, and thrillingly undead, exactly what a zombie musical should be.
The choreography is lively and laced with humour, particularly in Don’t Go Into the Basement, a number that has the audience howling with laughter. Elahi’s eye for detail extends to the costumes, which strike just the right balance of grotesque and glamorous, while her lighting design, operated with razor-sharp precision by Kaitlyn Moore, enhances both tension and comedy.
Musical Director and Sound Designer William Pipe deserves high praise for wrangling both singers and band into seamless cohesion. Sure, the singers occasionally hit a dud note, but nothing that massively detracts from the overall impact. The live musicians, Adam Haks and Jasmine Buckley on keys, Nathan Cho on guitar, Corey Truss and Ben Marshall alternating on bass, and Zi Hui Chen on drums, inject the performance with an electrifying energy. The mix is well-balanced, allowing both vocals and instruments to shine without overpowering one another, and the band’s timing is impeccable.
Aimee Segal as Barbara is a revelation, her voice effortlessly powerful, her dancing crisp, and her stage presence magnetic. She’s one of the show’s undeniable standouts, handling both the absurdity and the emotional beats with aplomb. Another star of the show, Erin Lowry plays multiple roles including Judy and Betty-Lou. Lowry deserves a medal for her lightning-fast quick changes and distinct characterisations. Each persona is vivid, expressive, and musically assured. Her comedic skills are outstanding and her song You’re F**ked is brilliantly delivered.
Patrick “Az” James as Tom and Barbara’s brother Johnny is delightfully eccentric, with a rubbery expressiveness that evokes shades of a young Barry Otto. His quirky energy lights up the stage, making every scene he’s in a treat. Aden Lowry’s dual performance as Harry and the Sheriff demonstrates good characterisation skills. While occasionally holding back in confidence as Harry, his take on the Sheriff absolutely brings the house down, his comedic timing impeccable. Molly Parker as Helen brings focus and control, delivering her lines and physical comedy with precision. Her commitment to character makes for some delightful chaos. As Ben, Alexander Graves brings charisma and courage to the role, particularly shining in I’m Ben, where his vocals reach their strongest form. His willingness to take risks on stage adds welcome depth to his performance.
This production’s success lies in its perfect blend of professionalism and play. The audience can feel the joy radiating from the performers, and that energy is infectious. Every scream, song, and splatter is delivered with love and care.
Night of the Living Dead! The Musical! is not just a triumph of horror comedy, it’s a triumph of Brisbane’s independent theatre. Elahi and her team have transformed a cult movie into a full-bodied theatrical experience that is hilarious, heartfelt, and wholly alive. The undead may be shambling, but Ghostlight Theatre Co. is sprinting straight to the top of Brisbane’s creative food chain.
Kitty Goodall
Photography by Alan Burchill
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