Night of the Living Dead Live! at the Pleasance Theatre

There’s probably no horror movie more influential than Night of the Living Dead. In 1968, it kick-started the Zombie Film, which became a universally recognised genre after the film's release - planting itself into the culture. And despite its unintentional political messages, critics and audiences took a lot from it - perceiving themes of racism in America as well as the devastation of the Vietnam War.

Now, the Pleasance Theatre is adapting George A Romero’s nightmarish classic for the stage. Night of the Living Dead Live grabs the essential story elements of the original film, a load of strangers barricading themselves in a desolate farmhouse during a zombie apocalypse, and runs with it – treading between the horrific and the hysterical.

The cast of Night of the Living Dead Live

The show also looks to expand on the film’s inadvertent political subtext, being remarkably relevant in today’s world. Themes of racism, class division, and America’s national identity share the stage with dead, hungry cannibals.

Night of the Living Dead Live will provide fear as much as something to think about. With tickets labelled ‘Probably Safe’, ‘Supposedly Safe’ and ‘Splatter Zone’, it’d be best to prepare for a scary, funny, gory evening.

If you're unfamiliar with the original Romero film, watch the trailer below.